Climate medicine incorporates climate science and policy into patient care.
A climate doctor is a physician trained in climate medicine to understand how climate change affects human health and considers this when treating and advocating for patients.
The Climate Crisis
is a
Health Crisis
Healthcare professionals are training worldwide to approach patient care through a climate-centric lens. This new approach integrates earth sciences, energy policy, and broader climate and socio-economic considerations into a provider's professional practice.
When a patient presents with asthma exacerbations, the climate-informed health professional considers the air quality, heat index, wildfires in the region, and the patient’s social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities when determining appropriate treatment.
THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS A HEALTH CRISIS
The Four Pillars Of Climate Medicine
Patient
Education
Evaluation and education of patients through a broad climate-centric lens to inform treatment and research
Hospital
Sustainability
Partnerships with hospitals to promote best sustainability practices and reduce carbon emissions
National Climate
Policy & Education
Participation in national conferences and preceptorship programs with federal agencies and NGOs
Global Climate
Policy & Education
Participation in global conferences, engagement in research, and education of health professionals
The Climate Doctor utilizes knowledge and training to engage in four critical domains.
Why do we need Climate Medicine?
According to the CDC
Climate change, together with other natural and human-made health stressors, influences human health and disease in numerous ways. Some existing health threats will intensify and new health threats will emerge. Not everyone is equally at risk. Important considerations include age, economic resources, and location.
According to the WHO
Climate change is the biggest health threat facing humanity.
