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Carbon Dependence

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

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  1. Carbon Dependence A public health challenge

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Carbon Dependence Presentation High carbon behaviours: • T-shirt in winter • Travel history • Meat bingeing • New-variant consumption

  5. Carbon Dependence Recognising dependence (ICD-10) • A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance. e.g. compulsive upgrading of mobile phone or other functioning electronic goods; overwhelming desire for overseas weekend-break. • Difficulties in controlling substance-taking behaviour in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use. e.g. failed attempts to cycle to work; inability to use up contents of fridge in preference to buying new food.

  6. Early Complications • Anxiety, stress – due to lack of psycho-protective effects of physical activity, misdirected attempts to fulfil non-material needs (e.g. companionship) by carbon-intensive material means (e.g. purchase of a new iPod), etc. • Reduced exercise tolerance – NB intractable clinical syndrome when combined with COPD, heart disease • Respiratory symptoms, asthma – in children may be Munchausen by proxy • Constipation

  7. Late Complications • Obesity • Diabetes, cardiovascular disease • Colorectal cancer • Fuel poverty • Falls • Social isolation

  8. Climate toxicity • Already responsible for many deaths worldwide: malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoeal disease (WHO) • Severity not related to intensity of same individual’s carbon addiction

  9. The FART Test Flatus - Air Redistribution Test (not recommended) • Non-invasive, measures methane produced • Disliked by patients • Inaccurate - ?leaks • Fire hazard • Confusing: high methane measurements may correlate with vegetable-based diet

  10. Medical Intervention • Carbon intensity of pharmaceuticals and medical procedures* restrict options • Surgical techniques (unproven) e.g.: Division of patient-car connecting structures Ablation of internet shopping area of brain Stomach stapling *See NHS Carbon Emissions Modelling 2008

  11. Psychological Recommended techniques include: • Motivational interviewing • Cognitive behaviour therapy • Self-help groups

  12. Social: behaviour • Active travel – replaces gym membership + trips to seaside. (Effective in prevention and treatment of depression, coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc) • Diet – gradual meat reduction; exposure to local markets • Occupational therapy – e.g. tea-making (attention to non over-filling of kettle), growing schemes,BTCV green gym

  13. Social: environment • Natural / green spaces – proven therapeutic value in depression, enhancing recovery after surgery, etc. • Protective against urban heat island, and in flood management; absorb CO2 • Built environment – certain features show close correlation with uptake of active travel* *NICE guidance available on creation of physical environments that support physical activity

  14. Social: housing • Housing improvement programmes benefit almost all addicts, but particularly the elderly, living alone, those with cardiovascular or respiratory disease • Suggested home insulation “step” in treatment of asthma; “I for insulation” in NICE guidelines on hypertension • Referral to specialist services is available* * e.g. www.warmfront.co.uk, www.energysavingtrust.co.uk

  15. Prognosis • Recent advances have transformed outcome in what was previously universally disabling disease. • With help of multidisciplinary team, addicts may even achieve full recovery.

  16. 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.

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