Hugh obtained a 1st class BSc (Cardiorespiratory Physiology/Neuropharmacology) in 1984, his Medical Degree in 1987, & MDRes in 1997. He works as a consultant Intensivist in London & is Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at UCL where he also directs the Centre for Human Health & Performance. He’s published >900 scientific research articles & has won 15 national and international scientific awards.
Hugh chaired the two Lancet Commissions on Human Health & Climate Change, & now co-chairs the 52-country Lancet Countdown on Health & Climate Change. He’s written & lectured extensively on the subject & co-leads the UCL MSc module on climate & health. He was appointed London Leader by Greater London Authority’s Sustainable Development Commission; has attended many of the international ‘COP’ negotiations; leads the children’s climate education ‘Project Genie’; & co-led the ITV documentary on Floods and Climate Change (2020). He was awarded the OBE in 2022 in part for his work on climate change and health. In 2023, he founded non-profit Real Zero to leverage the global health economy as a tool to decarbonize society more generally. In 2025, he was appointed co-chair of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, representing >1m healthcare professionals.
