Welcome to the home of NHS Scotland’s Climate Action — a single place to explore how we are responding to the growing health impacts of climate change.
Health systems worldwide are recognising climate change as a critical public health issue. NHS Scotland is part of this global effort, working with partners nationally and internationally to reduce harm, build resilience, and protect the health of current and future generations.
Our work focuses on two priorities:
- Reducing our emissions and sustainably managing our environmental impact (mitigation)
- Preparing our buildings, estate and services for the climate pressures already emerging (adaptation)
This is long-term transformation, but the impacts are already being felt in Scotland:
- Rising temperatures are increasing heat-related deaths, with the UK recording its hottest summer on record in 2025
- Outdoor air pollution contributes to an estimated 1,800–2,700 deaths each year in Scotland
- Global instability is putting pressure on the resilience of essential supplies.
These challenges are shared across health systems worldwide. For NHS Scotland, they sharpen our focus on ensuring we can continue to deliver care that is patient-centred, resilient and fit for the future.
Latest News
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Climate Week 2026: NHS Scotland’s Collective Effort Continues to Deliver Real Progress
Preparing for the impacts of climate change as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Scotland’s public services and communities, can sometimes feel like an enormous challenge. But across NHS Scotland, thousands of people are…
Thought Leadership
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Supporting Health in a Changing Climate
Professor Sir Gregor Smith highlights how NHS Scotland and wider global healthcare systems can demonstrate that a climate conscious approach can ultimately be a path that leads to better care, and improved health outcomes for the people…