Health Professionals and the Climate Crisis: Trusted Voices, Essential Roles

Abstract

Climate change has triggered a global public health emergency that, unless adequately addressed, is likely to become a multigenerational public health catastrophe. The policy actions needed to limit global warming deliver a wide range of public health benefits above and beyond those that will result from limiting climate change. Moreover, these health benefits are immediate and local, addressing one of the most vexing challenges of climate solutions: that the benefits of greenhouse gas reduction are seen as long-term and global, which are remote from the concerns of many jurisdictions. In this commentary, we identify roles that health professionals and health organizations can play, individually and collectively, to advance equitable climate and health policies in their communities, health systems, states, and nations. Ultimately, health voices can work across national boundaries to influence the world's commitments to the Paris Agreement, arguably the world's most important public health goal.

Guidance for health professionals seeking climate action

“…For health professionals with little experience of public advocacy, a good starting point is to join an existing organization (6). As a collective, health practitioners can lobby for change and attempt to generate media attention, which politicians perceive as being highly persuasive (7).…”

Cycling for health

“…66 Policy makers are very interested in hearing from physicians about health and safety issues, and our advocacy work can have an effect on local planning and policy. 67 Family physicians are the most trusted source in their communities on environmental health issues, 68 specifically climate change, 69 and we can use that trust to bolster the work of other organizations that are working to support healthy communities. Partnering with other advocacy groups can lead to productive and effective advocacy work.…”

Le cyclisme pour la santé

“…Les décideurs souhaitent vivement écouter les médecins parler des enjeux de santé et de sécurité, et notre travail de plaidoyer peut avoir un effet sur la planification et les politiques locales 67 . Les médecins de famille sont la source la plus digne de confiance dans leur communauté en matière de santé environnementale 68 , particulièrement le changement climatique 69 , et cette confiance peut servir à renforcer le travail d'autres organisations en faveur de communautés en santé. Les partenariats avec d'autres groupes de défense rendent le militantisme productif et efficace.…”