Oxfordshire County Council’s director of public health says "everyone and every organisation has an important role to play" in tackling climate change.

Ansaf Azhar has urged residents to take individual action for the benefit of their health and the environment.

He called climate change one of most significant threats to the population both in the county and globally.

This comment is part of his annual report which was set to be discussed in depth at the council meeting on April 16.

He said: "Our environment significantly influences our health.

"Recent flooding in Oxfordshire brought this into the spotlight, where some suffered a loss of livelihood and we saw a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Oxford Mail: Flooding in OxfordFlooding in Oxford (Image: Thom Airs)

"These events are going to be more common going forward.

"The actions that we can all take to improve climate health also immediately improve our health and the health of others.

"All of us should take positive climate action not just because of the environmental benefits realised years ahead, but the health benefits we will get from it immediately.

“Everyone and every organisation has an important role to play."

Mr Azhar added that "individuals cannot shoulder this responsibility alone" as he called for "real structural change and joint partnership actions" to deal with the problem.

He said the council was "already working hard together with partners to address our changing climate".