Why is the link between climate and health so critical? That’s the question the RSGS Young Geographer team set out to investigate in the latest edition of Young Geographer magazine.

The Young Geographer magazine is a project created by RSGS, supported by the Gannochy Trust, to provide a platform for young people to collate and share global expertise on issues that compel them. The newly released fourth edition, Health in a Changing Climate, explores the crucial connection between climate and health.

Editor-in-Chief and Geography student at The University of St Andrews, Margaret Chingos said, “we have chosen this topic not only because health is a basic necessity for a better world, but because we have an opportunity to protect it. The expert opinions, commentary, and global examples curated by the Young Geographers show that the health of our people and planet are intertwined. As the world warms, well-being wanes. But this does not have to be the case. We hope this collection will renew momentum and inspire action to tackle the climate crisis by shining a light on its often-overlooked impacts on health.”

The magazine is the culmination of a year’s work from the editorial board of nine university students and young professionals based across Scotland. Drawing on the inspiring stories of change-makers from around the globe, the Young Geographers curated fourteen expert articles that investigate the state of health in the world they will inherit. Chingos reports, “while contacting these contributors, we were blown away by their support, a wonderful reminder that people are kind and keen to take action.”

Young Geographers Margaret Chingos and Akshay Joshi sharing the Young Geographer Magazine at NatureScot’s Scotland Nature Student Conference at the Royal Botanic Garden. 18 March 2025.

The magazine features an interview with Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Gregor Smith who shares his vision for a people-centred healthcare system. Smith states, ‘we cannot separate the challenges that health and care services in Scotland face just now from the challenges that our own planet faces,’ and calls for a ‘carbon neutral, climate resilience, sustainable and equitable health system for the future.’ Other contributors explore physical health with Professor Sanjay Sisodiya, Professor of Neurology at UCL, writing about climate change’s effect on our brains, and mental health, featuring an excerpt from the book ‘Spinning Out’ by author Charlie Herzog Young.

The Young Geographers are excited to share the magazine with young change-makers, leaders, and citizens across the UK. After debuting the magazine at Scotland’s Nature Student Conference at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, organized by Nature Scot, they are now keen to bring conversations around climate and health to as many people as possible. To read, get inspired, and take action, check out the magazine online on Issuu.