The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in writing a letter to world leaders who have gathered in Glasgow to attend the COP26 summit, expressing pharmacy's commitment to tacking the climate crisis.
The letter signed by RPS and FIP officials has been sent to heads of state and national delegations. It outlines initiatives the profession can deliver as part of its contribution to the climate change crisis.
In a press release issued today (November 21) the RPS said: "Climate change is one of the greatest threats to global health in the 21st century, and the healthcare industry – being responsible for 4-5 per cent of greenhouse emissions globally – has an important role to play in battling climate change.
"Being medicines experts, pharmacists can protect the environment by continuing to support people to stay well and through reducing medicines waste, tackling air and water pollution, and implementing green pharmacy practices.
"As well as our Declaration of Climate and Ecological Emergency, we have released sustainability policies to show what pharmacy can do in relation to climate action and sustainable healthcare.
RPS president Claire Anderson said: “This is a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change and as a society we stand with FIP to champion pharmacy’s role in creating sustainable healthcare.
“With COP26 underway, this is a perfect time to inspire pharmacists to protect the environment and think about all areas that we can do better.”
Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre
