How Health Professionals Can Contribute to Healthy Environments in a Changing Climate

Members of the public place a high degree of trust in health and medical professionals. Survey research is consistent in this finding. Discussing climate change using a health framework that stresses the health benefits of protecting and preparing people for dealing with the changing climate has been demonstrated as more effective in engaging people to act than other frameworks, such as economic, environmental, or national security. As documented in the National Climate Assessment, global warming is already causing health harms in the United States. Warmer weather is producing a longer and more intense pollen seasons across the country, and pollutants from gasoline powered vehicles and power plants are producing higher ozone levels on the ground. The ozone irritates the lungs and makes them more vulnerable to particle pollutants and more reactive to pollen. Reducing pollutants from vehicles and power plants can directly improve this situation and protect people. Strategies to reduce the urban heat island can also lower heat and thus reduce ozone levels and improve air quality. This has special benefits for people with chronic heart and lung disease or asthma, all of whom are especially vulnerable. Health professionals can educate people about these health harms in a way that disseminates actionable knowledge about how to decrease the impact of the climate change and create healthier living places. Examples of communities that have taken such actions will be presented.