The global impact of climate change is a topic which is never far from all our minds, but so far the medical profession in the UK has not played a major part in the debate. The College has set about changing this and organised a major conference on 29th January 2008 that brought together some key players, both in medicine and in the wider field. Engaging the energy and enthusiasm of the medical profession is crucial, not least of all because it will be doctors who will be in the front line of coping with policy failure on climate change.