Professor Michael Depledge will be elected as an Honorary Fellow to the Royal College of Physicians later today, at a special ceremony in London.

Honorary Fellow is the highest honour the RCP can bestow on a non-medically qualified person, and recognises the extensive work Professor Depledge has contributed to the field of Environment and Human Health.

Professor Depledge played a pivotal role in establishing the European Centre for Environment & Human Health and, throughout a hugely influential career, has pioneered the concept of complex interconnections between environment, human health and wellbeing.

His work has helped to drive policy on climate change and health, chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the environment, and given substantial momentum to the burgeoning concept that interactions with nature can improve our wellbeing.

The Royal College of Physicians is an internationally renowned professional body for medical doctors, founded by Henry VIII in 1518. Others who have received this honour include Baroness Susan Greenfield, Professor Sir Colin Blakemore, Baroness Neuberger, Sir Alan Langlands, Dame Nancy Rothwell, and King Abdullah II.

The award coincides with the publication of an article by Professor Depledge highlighting the incongruous nature of fracking and climate change policies, read more here