I was recently asked what my primary emotion is, and I answered, without hesitation: impatience. This is both a blessing and a curse. It drives me to work hard try to change the problems I see everywhere, every day, and makes me very productive. But it also makes me a bit of a nightmare to work and live with. I struggle to slow down and to accept the slow pace of change that is a common reality. I tell others to remember their sphere of influence and not to expend energy on things way outside it, as this way burnout lies. I often fail to take this advice myself. This week I have felt very impatient.
COP 29 is happening. At least 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the summit in Baku. In an open letter, a group of international experts have stated that the UN Climate talks are no longer fit for purpose, and called for reform. Global emissions continue to increase, carbon sinks are being degraded and we are headed for more than 2.9°C of warming by 2100. I respect those who continue to participate in COP but I would not have the patience or diplomacy required.
I gave two talks this week. One was part of “High Stakes Conversations” on World Pneumonia Day hosted by the Every Breath Counts Coalition where I was presenting the background to, and content of, the British Thoracic Society’s Position Statement on Climate and Lung Health. You can watch all the talks on YouTube – I’m on at 40minutes. The other talk was at the Plant Based World Expo at the Excel Centre. The last time I was at the Excel was to protest the DSEI Arms Fair – they’ll be back next year, so do join us in protest at this horrific market of death, that invades our city every 2 years. This week I was instead inside the building, talking about the power of plant based food, and promoting our Plants First Healthcare campaign. There were some great questions from the audience. I can only hope these things make a difference to move the dial.
It’s getting colder. It’s hard to imagine how cold it is at night in Gaza in a flimsy tent. The cost of blankets has risen above $100 each. I continue to raise money in support of Osama and his family. He tells me they fled their home in summer, with no winter clothes. They are increasingly weak and malnourished. He worries about his parents. His father still does not have reliable access to vital medications. The blockade means very little gets into Gaza. Hospitals continue to be targets. There are shocking photos of healthcare workers being rounded up, stripped and marched away from Kamal Adwan Hospital.
On Saturday I spent the day at the Medact Movement Gathering, an inspiring event that was good for my soul. I heard from healthcare workers around the country doing incredible work to build the world we all deserve, where everyone can access their human right to health. We shared sucesses and failures. We reflected on our core values. I was reminded not to burden myself with the responsibility of fixing things that are so very broken, and instead to zoom out and recognise my place as part of history. I was encouraged to build community and participate in slow activism. I so needed to hear this. Medact has become my home, my place of return, and replenishment when the realities of the NHS and the world take their toll. If you are at all interested in health justice, I encourage you to get involved.
On Sunday, P__, a friend and I spent a joyful evening at Solve Along a Murder She Wrote. I love cosy murder mysteries, I love Angela Lansbury, I love the Prince Charles Cinema and I love Tim Benzie, the host of this quirkiest of events. The best way to spend a Sunday and a valuable break from my inner restlessness.
drlj 