Laura-Jane Smith's new role highlights the BTS's commitment to supporting action on climate change

Laura-Jane Smith has been appointed as the British Thoracic Society’s (BTS) first Trustee for Sustainability, in a move that underlines the society’s commitment to improving air quality.

Dr Smith, who will hold the position for the next three years, said: ‘Urgent action is needed to reduce air pollution, not only as a cause of poor health in itself, but also as it is one component of climate change, the greatest threat to human health.'

The London-based respiratory consultant added: ‘There are actions we can take as individuals, professionals and organisations to create the just, healthy future we and our patients demand.' In her role, Dr Smith is expected to represent the BTS in relation to groups such as the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change.

Urgent action is needed to reduce air pollution, not only as a cause of poor health in itself, but also as it is one component of climate change, the greatest threat to human health [Laura-Jane Smith, BTS]

Poor air quality

Delegates at the BTS’s 2022 Winter Meeting, which runs from 23-25 November, have attended a session devoted to air pollution and children’s health, with topics including how to minimise harmful exposure across a lifetime. Another session looked at air quality and lung health in Africa.

Presenters emphasised that people living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation are disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

Great London Smog anniversary

Next month (December 2022) will mark the 70^th anniversary of the Great London Smog of 1952, which resulted in more than 4,000 deaths. There is a consensus among respiratory specialists that action must be taken to avoid similar respiratory tragedies from climate change and air pollution, the BTS said.

BTS is committed to improving air quality and it is and will remain a key priority for the organisation [Paul Walker, BTS]

Paul Walker, who chairs The BTS Board of Trustees, said: ‘There is irrefutable evidence that air pollution is harmful to lung health and is a key challenge in achieving better lung health for all. Moreover, we are now clear that air pollution contributes to health inequality.'

Dr Walker added: ‘BTS is committed to improving air quality and it is and will remain a key priority for the organisation.’

The BTS published an Air Quality Statement earlier this year, which stresses that everyone is entitled to breathe clean air and supports respiratory professionals who advise patients on this topic.

The BTS is committed to raising awareness of evidence, supporting campaigns, bills and policies, setting ambitious targets and educating health professionals on how best protect their patients for generations to come. 

For earlier PhysioUpdate coverage from the BTS's 2022 Winter Meeting, visit: https://www.physioupdate.co.uk/news/apprehensive-mood-music-at-bts-winter-meeting-where-physio-rachael-moses-term-as-president-ends/