Climate change arguably represents one of the greatest global health threats of our time. Health professionals can advocate for global efforts to reduce emissions and protect people from climate change; however, evidence of their willingness to do so remains scarce. In this Viewpoint, we report findings from a large, multinational survey of health professionals (n=4654) that examined their views of climate change as a human health issue. Consistent with previous research, participants in this survey largely understood that climate change is happening and is caused by humans, viewed climate change as an important and growing cause of health harm in their country, and felt a responsibility to educate the public and policymakers about the problem. Despite their high levels of commitment to engaging in education and advocacy on the issue, many survey participants indicated that a range of personal, professional, and societal barriers impede them from doing so, with time constraints being the most widely reported barrier. However, participants say various resources-continuing professional education, communication training, patient education materials, policy statements, action alerts, and guidance on how to make health-care workplaces sustainable-can help to address those barriers. We offer recommendations on how to strengthen and support health professional education and advocacy activities to address the human health challenges of climate change.

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During the first two weeks of November, the global health community advocated on behalf of its patients and communities with historic engagement at the 26th UN climate change conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland. The diagnosis of the climate crisis as a health emergency is clear given the extensive health harms, inequities, and healthcare system disruptions already present at warming of 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. 1 Every fraction of a degree matters. However, the agreements outlined by world leaders in the Glasgow climate pact are far from adequate to protect health, save lives, and advance equity. 2 After a year's delay because of the covid-19 pandemic, COP26 was a pivotal moment to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement, when every country in the world committed to limit warming by 2100 to "far below" 2°C, with a true goal of 1.5°C. Without swift action by 2030, the 1.5°C threshold is likely to be breached in the next two decades. 3 The COP26 mantra "keep 1.5°C alive" can be interpreted as the difference between life and death for many people, given the accelerating health harms associated with climate change and growing concern about environmental tipping points . 3 -6