Oral

A number of health effects have been linked to climate change including a rise in infectious diseases, water-borne diseases, and heat stroke that are emerging from the research as public health threats. The topic of climate change and public health is a crucial one for nurses to consider and address, with a focus on adaptation and mitigation strategies based on specific community needs. At the APHA conference in 2008, the Environmental Health Nursing Working Group of the Public Health Nursing Section in APHA was successful in bringing together members of three sections within APHA: Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health, and Occupational Health. A group of participants from each of the three sections planned this year’s session which will update members on activities to reduce public health effects as a result of global climate change. This year’s session will also update participants on national and state climate policy and emerging adaptation plans, as well as provide participants information on core action strategies to decrease contributions to climate change. Climate vignettes will provide examples/information on how public health nurses, in partnership with other disciplines can reduce carbon footprints in the community. Discussion will follow the presentations to determine next steps for strategic action.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe at least two strategies to improve health by intervening to decrease adverse consequences associated with climate change. 2. Discuss two ways that professional organizations can work collaboratively to educate members and intervene at organizational levels to curb adverse consequences associated with climate change. 3. Describe the ENERGY STAR program.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)