Views of health professionals on climate change and health: a multinational survey study

Abstract

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.

The Drivers of Environmentally Sustainable Hospital Foodservices

“…Instead, in the absence of policy, sustainability networks provided guidance, as well as resources and networks to fill the gaps. Sustainability networks are an area previously identified as being beneficial in supporting healthcare professionals in addressing the challenges of climate change (35). Government policies and targets are needed that are specific and actionable that hospitals are able to realistically follow them.…”

Accelerating climate action: the role of health professionals

“…9 10 However, only a small proportion of health professionals feel able to take effective action in response to the climate crisis, with many citing personal and professional barriers, the most important one being a lack of time. 11 Health professionals are first and foremost family members and citizens, and as individuals they can make simple climate friendly behavioural choices regarding how they live and work, what they buy, what they eat, and how they travel.…”

Klimaschutz in der Praxis – Status quo, Bereitschaft und Herausforderungen in der ambulanten Versorgung

“…60%) [6]. Eine multinationale Umfrage unter Angehörigen des Gesundheitswesens aus dem Jahr 2021 ergab, dass sich Gesundheitsberufe für Klimaschutz einsetzen sollten [7]. Wenn neben Krankenhäusern auch die über hunderttausend Arztpraxen in Deutschland ihren CO 2 -Fußabdruck reduzieren würden, könnten sie dem Klimawandel und auch der damit einhergehenden gesundheitlichen Bedrohung entgegenwirken.…”

“…Wenn neben Krankenhäusern auch die über hunderttausend Arztpraxen in Deutschland ihren CO 2 -Fußabdruck reduzieren würden, könnten sie dem Klimawandel und auch der damit einhergehenden gesundheitlichen Bedrohung entgegenwirken. Gemäß der Planetary Health kann klimafreundliches Wirtschaften neben dem Verhindern weiterer gesundheitlicher Folgen des Klimawandels auch zu gesundheitlichen Co-Benefits durch aktive Bewegung, gesunde Ernährung und Reduktion der Feinstaubbelastung führen [8,9]. Den ambulant tätigen Ärztinnen und Ärzten, die 44% der deutschen Ärzteschaft ausmachen, kommt durch ihre Schlüsselrolle als professionelle Ansprechpartner*innen ihrer Patient*innen eine besondere Verantwortung zu.…”