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Carbon Dependence. A public health challenge. Carbon Dependence. Definition* “a cluster of physiological, behavioural, and cognitive phenomena in which the use of carbon-based fuels takes on a much higher priority for a given individual than other behaviours that once had greater value”.
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Carbon Dependence A public health challenge
Carbon Dependence Definition* “a cluster of physiological, behavioural, and cognitive phenomena in which the use of carbon-based fuels takes on a much higher priority for a given individual than other behaviours that once had greater value”. *In accordance with ICD-10
Carbon Dependence Epidemiology Early case reports date back to the 19th century, with prevalence rising exponentially in the last 50 years Now reached epidemic proportions in the UK – affecting almost 100% of the population Fears of global pandemic Aetiology No genetic influences identified Environmental factors important – e.g. out-of-town shopping
A carbon-dependent society?… …What’s wrong with that?
Early Complications • Reduced exercise tolerance – fossil fuel use is replacing physical activity in daily living negative impacts on cardiovascular and psychological health • Anxiety, stress – physical activity has psycho-protective effects, so doing less of it has negative impacts on mental health - dissatisfaction • Respiratory symptoms • asthma and allergies. More time spent in natural environments could reduce the risk of these complications.
Late Complications • Obesity and diabetes– due to high fat diet and inactivity • Cardiovascular disease – high salt and fat diet, and inactivity • Colorectal cancer – correlates with high meat intake • Falls – inactivity low muscle mass, falls due to SE of medication • Fuel poverty– using more fuel costs money (human power is free) • Social isolation – interaction via facebook? TV entertainment?
Climate toxicity • Already responsible for many deaths worldwide: malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoeal disease (WHO) • Severity not related to intensity of same individual’s carbon addiction
Medical Intervention • Medical interventions for symptoms are carbon intensive* – risk of increasing carbon dependence • Psychosocial techniques? Alternative therapies..? *See NHS Carbon Emissions Modelling 2008
Alternative prescriptions: Behaviour • Active travel and BTCV green gyms • Diet – gradual meat and processed food reduction; exposure to local markets • Occupational therapy – e.g. growing schemes, tea-making (attention to non over-filling of kettle),
Public health:an environment for healthy living • Natural / green spaces – proven therapeutic value in depression, enhancing recovery after surgery, etc. - Protective against urban heat island, & in flood management; Absorb CO2 • Built environment – to promote active travel* & social cohesion *NICE guidance available on creation of physical environments that support physical activity
Addressing root causes:climate change “Housing improvement programmes benefit almost all carbon addicts, but particularly the elderly, living alone, those with cardiovascular or respiratory disease” • HOME INSULATION • ENERGY & MONEY SAVING • Equipment on standby • Inefficient devices • Overfilling the kettle
Prognosis • Recent advances have transformed outcome in what was previously universally disabling disease. • With help of multidisciplinary team, addicts may even achieve full recovery.
For a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to medical management of carbon dependence: www.CarbonAddict.org Carbon Addict is an opensource project of The Climate Connection and The Campaign for Greener Healthcare. The illustrations are by www.worldofinferiors.co.uk and are licensed under a Creative Commons License.
