Mapping the movement for climate change and health in England: a descriptive review and theory of change analysis

Aims

There are a growing number of organisations working to address the connections between climate change and health. This paper introduces the concept of ‘theories of change’ - the methodology by which organisations or movements hope to bring about social change - and applies it to the current climate change and health movement in England. Through movement mapping, the paper describes and offers reflections on the climate change and health ecosystem in England.

Methods

Organisations working on climate change and health in England were identified and publicly available information was collated to map movement characteristics, target stakeholders and methodologies deployed, using an inductive, iterative approach.

Results

98 organisations working on health and climate change (and/or sustainability) were initially identified, of which 70 met the inclusion criteria. Most organisations target 2 or more stakeholders, with healthcare workers, management structures (Trusts and CCGs) and government being most commonly cited. Methodological approaches identified include: Formal education programmes; Awareness-raising; Purchasing-procurement power; Advocacy; Financial; Media-messaging; Networking; Knowledge generation; and Policy making, of which education, awareness-raising, and advocacy most commonly used.

Conclusions

There is a tendency within climate change and health organisations in England to focus on individual level and sectoral change, over system change. More could be made of the potential for the healthcare professions’ voice for the wider climate movement. Given the rapid boom of climate change and health organisations in recent years, a mindset shift within the movement, to recognise different players as part of a cohesive ecosystem with better coordination and collaboration, may reduce unnecessary work and facilitate more cohesive outcomes.