Climate and Environmental Literacy on CPDmatch

Despite understanding the impact of fossil fuel combustion and environmental degradation for decades, we’ve collectively failed to deliver adequate change. Atmospheric CO₂ levels are the highest they’ve been for 3 million years, global warming is accelerating, and we’ve breached 6 of the 9 planetary boundaries. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations puts it simply – “humanity has opened the gates to hell”.

Our health is inextricably linked to the climate and environment and our present trajectory will result in millions facing illness and death from extreme heat, adverse weather, infectious diseases, and starvation. Healthcare systems will become vulnerable as demand increases and the trusted voice of the healthcare profession is needed, as it was during the Covid-19 pandemic, to catalyse global action.

For healthcare professionals to be confident in communicating these facts, they must be climate and environmentally literate and whilst the majority feel a responsibility to communicate on the subject, many report insufficient knowledge is a barrier to them engaging and further education and training would be beneficial.

To address these gaps in knowledge, SDG4 Ltd created CPDmatch, a website for healthcare professionals, employing organisations and those working in supplier industries to find the education required to deliver net zero and sustainable healthcare. The goal is for all within the healthcare value chain to be confident in communicating and inspiring others to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

CPD is Continuing Professional Development, an ongoing process which enables healthcare professionals to provide the highest quality of care. Whilst traditionally focussed on clinical subjects, it’s now essential education related to planetary health is also undertaken. We signpost visitors to resources created by education providers with registered users notified when new education is listed which aligns to their areas of need – that’s the match in CPDmatch.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SDG4 Ltd requires financial support which we secure from the most environmentally ambitious healthcare suppliers and allied industries. By supporting CPDmatch, companies are not only helping us develop and progress but demonstrating their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 13 (Climate Action).

In return for support, we provide companies with space to showcase their education and environmental ambition within their EDUCATION PROVIDER page, brand recognition in our ‘sponsors and supporters’ section on the ABOUT page and the ability to create an ‘ad tile’ for display amongst the education tiles on our EDUCATION page. These ads are non-obtrusive, integrating with education tiles and are preferentially shown to individuals who have an interest in the associated clinical areas.

The relationship between the planet and humanity is at a critical juncture and we must all collaborate on a level never seen before to survive and thrive. At CPDmatch, we want to hear from individuals and companies who feel the same so we can support each other on our sustainability journeys and demonstrate our social and environmental leadership to inspire others.

Richard Hixson 28-4-24 (revised 23-11-24).

Consultant in Critical Care and Physician Environmentalist.