The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat:1 it has arrived, significantly impacting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.2,3 In the UK, the urgency to address climate change, highlighted by the Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service report,4 underscores the need for all organisations to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate sustainability into their practices.4 Extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, prolonged, and devastating,5 presenting considerable challenges to primary care services both domestically and internationally.2,3,6 These events strain healthcare resources, exacerbate health problems,7 and profoundly affect physical and mental health.3

Acknowledging the scepticism regarding the NHS’s prioritisation of planning for extreme weather events amid existing challenges and financial pressures is crucial. While the UK has experienced relatively moderate extreme weather events compared with other regions, the imperative to prepare for potential escalations cannot be overstated. Despite longstanding awareness of the risks posed by climate change to health systems, convincing stakeholders of the immediate need for preparedness remains a challenge.

Primary care teams are at the forefront of tackling this unprecedented challenge. The increasing likelihood of extreme weather events demands a shift in mindset, recognising the …