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Sandal S, Ethier I, Onu U, Fung W, Bajpai D, Bilchut WH, Bagasha P, De Chiara L, Hafiz E, Smyth B, Kelly D, Pippias M, Jha V. Climate Change, Kidney Health, and Environmentally Sustainable Kidney Care: A Multinational Survey of Health Care Professionals. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:1084-1094. [PMID: 38768364 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Points
A multinational survey of health care professionals on the kidney health impacts of climate change and the environmental burden of kidney care was conducted.Most participants reported knowledge gaps and high level of concern on these interconnected issues.Only a minority report personal or organizational initiatives in environmentally sustainable kidney care; this did not vary by country income level.
Background
Given the threat of climate change to kidney health and the significant environmental effect of kidney care, calls are increasing for health care professionals and organizations to champion climate advocacy and environmentally sustainable kidney care. Yet, little is known about their engagement, and existing literature is primarily emerging from high-income countries.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health care professionals on the interconnectedness of climate change and kidney health; to identify personal and organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care and strategies to increase their engagement; and to compare responses by their country's income level as classified by the World Bank.
Results
Participants (n=972) represented 108 countries, with 64% from lower- or middle-income countries. Ninety-eight percent believed that climate change is happening, yet <50% possessed knowledge about the effect of climate change on kidney health or the environmental effect of kidney care. Only 14% were involved in climate change and kidney health initiatives (membership, knowledge/awareness, research, and advocacy), 22% in sustainable kidney care initiatives (education/advocacy, preventative nephrology, sustainable dialysis, promoting transplant/home therapies, and research), and 26% reported organizational initiatives in sustainable kidney care (sustainable general or dialysis practices, preventative/lean nephrology, and focused committees). Participants from lower-income countries generally reported higher knowledge and variable level of concern. Engagement in sustainable kidney care did not vary by income level. Guidance/toolkit (79%), continuing education (75%), and opportunities (74%) were the top choices to increase engagement. National initiatives (47%), preventative measures (35%), and research endeavors (31%) were the top avenues for organizational engagement. These varied by income level, suggesting that the vision and priorities vary by baseline resource setting.
Conclusions
We have identified knowledge and practice gaps among health care professionals on the bidirectional relationship between kidney disease and climate change in a multinational context and several avenues to increase their engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaifali Sandal
- Divisions of Nephrology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- MEDIC, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ethier
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Health Innovation and Evaluation hub, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ugochi Onu
- Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Ituku-Ozalla, Nigeria
| | - Winston Fung
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Divya Bajpai
- Department of Nephrology, Seth G.S.M.C. and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Peace Bagasha
- Directorate of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital l and College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Letizia De Chiara
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ehab Hafiz
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Brendan Smyth
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dearbhla Kelly
- Oxford Critical Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Pippias
- Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Renal Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Alvero R. Climate change and human health: a primer on what women's health physicians can do on behalf of their patients and communities. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:228-233. [PMID: 38934104 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the current state of knowledge on the impact on climate change on women's health and to highlight opportunities for healthcare providers to serve as advocates and subject matter experts. RECENT FINDINGS Healthcare providers are a uniquely respected voice in society but have not used this advantage to advocate for their communities and participate in mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency efforts on behalf of their patients and communities. SUMMARY Healthcare providers feel that climate change is real, is human caused, and is currently or will shortly negatively impact their patients. They feel unprepared to serve as leaders and advocates due to time limitations and a knowledge gap. Resources in the current climate movement can help close this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Alvero
- Fertility and Reproductive Health, Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, Sunnyvale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Maibach E, Kotcher J, Patel L. We can use our superpower to help end fossil fuel pollution and rise to the challenge of climate change. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2024; 17:194-196. [PMID: 38826112 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2024.2357949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, we argue that health professionals can play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of public policies that will help communities, nations, and the world end fossil fuel pollution and rise to the challenges of climate change. We briefly describe our previously published research showing that communicating about fossil fuel pollution and the health relevance of climate change has many benefits in building public support for climate action. Most importantly, we make the case that because health professionals, especially medical doctors and other clinicians, are highly trusted, we collectively have a unique opportunity to bring people together across the political continuum to have constructive dialogues about the intertwined problems of fossil fuel pollution and climate change and what to do about them - even in the current hyper-partisan environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Maibach
- George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - John Kotcher
- George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Lisa Patel
- George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Stanford Children's Health
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Badger MS. The Intersection of Geriatrics, Climate Change, and Wilderness Medicine: Education is Critical. Wilderness Environ Med 2024:10806032241245399. [PMID: 38850046 DOI: 10.1177/10806032241245399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
According to the US Census, for the first time in history, older adults are projected to exceed the number of children by 2035. These seniors are headed to the outdoors in increasing numbers and face unique risks. They benefit from careful pre-event evaluation planning to maintain their health in wilderness environments. Climate change is affecting all of us, but seniors are considered an especially vulnerable group. This vulnerability needs to be addressed not only when older adults head into the wilderness but also when the wilderness "comes to them" in areas where wilderness medicine and disaster medicine overlap. Education of both providers and patients is vital. This article aims to discuss the special needs of older adults/seniors /elders (defined as those over 65 unless otherwise indicated) in the wilderness as well as the vulnerability of older adults to climate change, both during planned wilderness activities and when the wilderness "comes to them" because of climate change, and to identify opportunities for education and adaptation of patients and education of physicians and wilderness and disaster responders to care for these older patients. The PubMed and Google Scholar Database search engines were utilized to review relevant English language publications between 2000 and 2023 that addressed individuals over 65 and explored the overlap of geriatrics (aged over 65), wilderness and disaster medicine, and climate change and create a perspective summary. Because of increased numbers of older adults heading into the wilderness for outdoor activities or having wilderness thrust upon them due to climate change, cross training of all specialties including the fields of emergency, geriatrics, wilderness medicine, and disaster medicine is needed in collaboration with other organizations and search and rescue. Response agencies must recognize that training in wilderness medicine provides a background for practitioners working in dangerous and remote settings and ought to seek out individuals with such skills when placing responders in the field. Climate change is making these intersections and the need for this education more urgent with time.
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Sisodiya SM, Gulcebi MI, Fortunato F, Mills JD, Haynes E, Bramon E, Chadwick P, Ciccarelli O, David AS, De Meyer K, Fox NC, Davan Wetton J, Koltzenburg M, Kullmann DM, Kurian MA, Manji H, Maslin MA, Matharu M, Montgomery H, Romanello M, Werring DJ, Zhang L, Friston KJ, Hanna MG. Climate change and disorders of the nervous system. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:636-648. [PMID: 38760101 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is affecting people's health, including those with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Currently, making inferences about the effect of climate change on neurological and psychiatric diseases is challenging because of an overall sparsity of data, differing study methods, paucity of detail regarding disease subtypes, little consideration of the effect of individual and population genetics, and widely differing geographical locations with the potential for regional influences. However, evidence suggests that the incidence, prevalence, and severity of many nervous system conditions (eg, stroke, neurological infections, and some mental health disorders) can be affected by climate change. The data show broad and complex adverse effects, especially of temperature extremes to which people are unaccustomed and wide diurnal temperature fluctuations. Protective measures might be possible through local forecasting. Few studies project the future effects of climate change on brain health, hindering policy developments. Robust studies on the threats from changing climate for people who have, or are at risk of developing, disorders of the nervous system are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK.
| | - Medine I Gulcebi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - James D Mills
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Ethan Haynes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Chadwick
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute of Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Anthony S David
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kris De Meyer
- UCL Climate Action Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Department of the UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Koltzenburg
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Hadi Manji
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Mark A Maslin
- Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK; Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Hugh Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marina Romanello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Zhang
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; MRC International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Muro A, Czajkowski S, Hall KL, Neta G, Weaver SJ, D'Angelo H. Climate Change Harm Perception Among U.S. Adults in the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:625-632. [PMID: 38233070 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241228339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine associations between 1) sociodemographics and 2) trust in health information sources with climate change harm perception. METHODS Weighted adjusted logistic regression models examined correlates of climate change harm perception (harm vs no harm/don't know) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (2022, n = 5585). RESULTS Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults believed climate change will harm their health. College education (vs high school or less) (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.2) and having greater trust in doctors (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), scientists (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6, 2.0), and government health agencies (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5, 1.9) for health information were associated with believing climate change harms health. Conversely, greater trust in religious organizations was associated with 16% lower odds of believing climate change harms health (95% CI .74, .94). CONCLUSIONS Climate change harm perception varied by sociodemographics and trust in health information source. Health communication delivered via alternative and diverse channels could expand the reach of climate and health messaging and ultimately increase public awareness and support for measures to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Muro
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Susan Czajkowski
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kara L Hall
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gila Neta
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sallie J Weaver
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Heather D'Angelo
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Naser K, Haq Z, Naughton BD. The Impact of Climate Change on Health Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematised Review and Thematic Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:434. [PMID: 38673345 PMCID: PMC11050668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of climate change on health services as categorized by the WHO's Building Blocks for creating Climate-Resilient Health Systems. Objective: The objective was to conduct a systematized review of the published literature concerning the impact of climate change, using a thematic analysis approach to address our aim and identify areas for further research. Design: A search was conducted on 8 February 2022 using the Embase and PubMed research databases. Peer-reviewed scientific studies that were published in English from 2012 to 2022, which described at least one report concerning the impact of climate change on health services in LMICs, were included. Studies were organized based on their key characteristics, which included the date of publication, objective, method, limitations, participants, and geographical focus. The Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. Five areas of health services which align with the WHO building blocks framework were impacted by climate change. These health service areas included: (1) Service Delivery, (2) Human Resources, (3) Health Finance, (4) Healthcare Products and Technology, and (5) Leadership and Governance. However, research concerning the impact of climate change on health information systems, which is part of the WHO building blocks framework, did not feature in our study. The climatic effects were divided into three themes: meteorological effects, extreme weather events, and general. The research in this study found that climate change had a detrimental impact on a variety of health services, with service delivery being the most frequently reported. The risk of bias varied greatly between studies. Conclusions: Climate change has negatively impacted health services in a variety of different ways, and without further actions, this problem is likely to worsen. The WHO building blocks have provided a useful lens through which to review health services. We built an aligned framework to describe our findings and to support future climate change impact assessments in this area. We propose that further research concerning the impact of climate change on health information systems would be valuable, as well as further education and responsible policy changes to help build resilience in health services affected by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamar Naser
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Zaeem Haq
- Save the Children St Vincent House, 30 Orange Street, London WC2H 7HH, UK
| | - Bernard D. Naughton
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, D02PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Kings College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
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Sorensen CJ, Fried LP. Defining Roles and Responsibilities of the Health Workforce to Respond to the Climate Crisis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e241435. [PMID: 38517435 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The adverse effects of climate change are now apparent, disproportionately affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations and resulting in urgent worldwide calls to action. Health professionals occupy a critical position in the response to climate change, including in climate mitigation and adaptation, and their professional expertise and roles as health messengers are currently underused in the society-wide response to this crisis. Observations Clinical and public health professionals have important roles and responsibilities, some of which are shared, that they must fill for society to successfully mitigate the root causes of climate change and build a health system that can reduce morbidity and mortality impacts from climate-related hazards. When viewed through a preventive framework, the unique and synergizing roles and responsibilities provide a blueprint for investment in climate change-related prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary), capacity building, education, and training of the health workforce. Substantial investment in increasing the competence and collaboration of health professionals is required, which must be undertaken in an urgent, coordinated, and deliberate manner. Conclusions and Relevance Exceptional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and workforce capacity building are essential to tackle the complex ways in which climate change threatens health. This framework serves as a guide for health system leaders, education institutions, policy planners, and others seeking to create a more resilient and just health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia J Sorensen
- Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Linda P Fried
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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Kotcher J, Luong K, Charles J, Gould R, Maibach E. Calling attention to opponents of climate action in climate and health messaging. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e938-e946. [PMID: 37940213 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that providing information about the health effects of climate change and the health benefits of climate action can increase public engagement with the issue. We sought to extend those findings with an experiment to test the motivational value of calling attention to opponents of climate action. In February, 2022, we conducted a survey experiment with adults from the USA, quota-sampled to represent the USA population (n=2201). Participants were randomly assigned to a no-message control condition, or one of four message conditions identified as authored by concerned health professionals. These messages warned recipients about the negative effects of climate change on health, and either made no mention of an opponent to climate action, or were messages augmented by identifying one of three opponents: (1) fossil fuel chief executive officers and their lobbyists, (2) politicians, or (3) a combination of the two. Portrayal of opponents to climate action increased attitudinal engagement, support for mitigation policies, and intentions to advocate for climate solutions, compared with message conditions not identifying an opponent-with the combined opponent portrayal tending to result in the largest effects; these effects were evident with audiences across political lines, especially political conservatives. Climate and health messages-with or without portrayal of an opponent-also increased trust in the messengers relative to the no-message control. These findings suggest that identifying opponents to climate action can be advantageous to building support for such action, reducing political issue polarisation, and fostering greater trust in health professionals as climate messengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kotcher
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | | | | | - Rob Gould
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Edward Maibach
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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Heydari A, Partovi P, Zarezadeh Y, Yari A. Exploring medical students' perceptions and understanding of the health impacts of climate change: a qualitative content analysis. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:774. [PMID: 37853406 PMCID: PMC10585725 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has been identified as the greatest threat to global health in the twenty-first century, with its unfavorable health consequences being among its impacts on humans. Exploring the perspectives and understanding of healthcare professionals and service providers concerning climate change becomes imperative. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions and understanding of final-year medical students regarding the health impacts of climate change on individuals and the healthcare system using a qualitative content analysis. METHODS This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the aid of an interview guide to explore the students' awareness, understanding, and attitudes towards the impacts of climate change on public health and the healthcare system. The collected interview data were subsequently organized into codes, categories, and subcategories based on the students' perspectives and attitudes towards climate change. RESULTS Fifteen medical intern students were interviewed for this study, and the qualitative findings were categorized into 3 categories, 23 subcategories, and 229 codes. The study's findings revealed various health impacts of climate change, which were classified into three main categories, including environmental effects with 8 subcategories, socio-economic effects with 8 subcategories, and health effects with 7 subcategories. The study's findings revealed medical students' perceptions of various health impacts of climate change and These findings suggest that medical student understand that climate change has significant impacts on individuals' health and society, mainly through environmental degradation, increased risks, and climate-related disasters, which ultimately lead to adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The perspectives of medical students in this study indicate that climate change may not have a direct and immediate impact on the health of individuals and communities. However, it can significantly influence their health and socio-economic well-being by exacerbating or causing environmental problems, increasing the risk of weather-related events and natural disasters, ultimately leading to adverse health outcomes. While the medical students' perspectives on the health impacts of climate change are indeed broad, incorporating scientific knowledge about this topic into the medical curriculum and educating students on how to deal with patients affected by these consequences can have a significant impact on health management. This proactive approach, despite the students' already comprehensive understanding, can enhance their preparedness to address the health effects of climate change and contribute to strengthening the healthcare system's resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Peyman Partovi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Yadolah Zarezadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Arezoo Yari
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran.
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Balakrishnan B, Callahan SJ, Cherian SV, Subramanian A, Sarkar S, Bhatt N, Scholand MB. Climate Change for the Pulmonologist: A Focused Review. Chest 2023; 164:963-974. [PMID: 37054776 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change adversely impacts global health. Increasingly, temperature variability, inclement weather, declining air quality, and growing food and clean water supply insecurities threaten human health. Earth's temperature is projected to increase up to 6.4 °C by the end of the 21st century, exacerbating the threat. Public and health care professionals, including pulmonologists, perceive the detrimental effects of climate change and air pollution and support efforts to mitigate its effects. In fact, evidence is strong that premature cardiopulmonary death is associated with air pollution exposure via inhalation through the respiratory system, which functions as a portal of entry. However, little guidance is available for pulmonologists in recognizing the effects of climate change and air pollution on the diverse range of pulmonary disorders. To educate and mitigate risk for patients competently, pulmonologists must be armed with evidence-based findings of the impact of climate change and air pollution on specific pulmonary diseases. Our goal is to provide pulmonologists with the background and tools to improve patients' health and to prevent adverse outcomes despite climate change-imposed threats. In this review, we detail current evidence of climate change and air pollution impact on a diverse range of pulmonary disorders. Knowledge enables a proactive and individualized approach toward prevention strategies for patients, rather than merely treating ailments reactively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bathmapriya Balakrishnan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL.
| | - Sean J Callahan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL
| | - Sujith V Cherian
- Division of Critical Care, Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of Texas Health-McGovern Medical School, Houston; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL
| | - Abirami Subramanian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Health, Dallas, TX; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL
| | - Sauradeep Sarkar
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Nitin Bhatt
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL
| | - Mary-Beth Scholand
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT; Occupational and Environmental Health Section, Diffuse Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Network, CHEST, Glenview, IL
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Pali-Schöll I, Hermuth-Kleinschmidt K, Dramburg S, Agache I, Mayerhofer H, Jensen-Jarolim E, Goshua A, Nadeau KC. An EAACI review: Go green in health care and research. Practical suggestions for sustainability in clinical practice, laboratories, and scientific meetings. Allergy 2023; 78:2606-2622. [PMID: 37584433 PMCID: PMC10543587 DOI: 10.1111/all.15836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Health care professionals (HCPs) and researchers in the health care sector dedicate their professional life to maintaining and optimizing the health of their patients. To achieve this, significant amounts of resources are used and currently it is estimated that the health care sector contributes to more than 4% of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHG emissions adversely impact planetary health and consequently human health, as the two are intricately linked. There are many factors of health care that contribute to these emissions. Hospitals and research labs also use high amounts of consumables which require large amounts of raw materials and energy to produce. They are further responsible for polluting the environment via disposal of plastics, drug products, and other chemicals. To maintain and develop state-of-the-art best practices and treatments, medical experts exchange and update their knowledge on methods and technologies in the respective fields at highly specialized scientific meetings. These meetings necessitate thousands of attendants traveling around the globe. Therefore, while the goal of HCPs is to care for the individual, current practices have an enormous (indirect) impact on the health of the patients by their negative environmental impacts. There is an urgent need for HCPs and researchers to mitigate these detrimental effects. The installation of a sustainability-manager at health care facilities and research organizations to implement sustainable practices while still providing quality health care is desirable. Increased use of telemedicine, virtual/hybrid conferences and green chemistry have recently been observed. The benefits of these practices need to be evaluated and implemented as appropriate. With this manuscript, we aim to increase the awareness about the negative impacts of the health care system (including health care research) on planetary and human health. We suggest some easy and highly impactful steps and encourage health care professionals and research scientists of all hierarchical levels to immediately implement them in their professional as well as private life to counteract the health care sector's detrimental effects on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Pali-Schöll
- The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology; Medical University Vienna, Vienna Austria
| | | | - Stephanie Dramburg
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Care, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin – Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania
| | - Hanna Mayerhofer
- The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology; Medical University Vienna, Vienna Austria
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna Austria
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research; Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Immunology; Medical University Vienna, Vienna Austria
| | - Anna Goshua
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Kari C. Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA
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Quitmann C, Griesel S, Nayna Schwerdtle P, Danquah I, Herrmann A. Climate-sensitive health counselling: a scoping review and conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e600-e610. [PMID: 37438001 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Health professional societies and researchers call for the integration of climate change into health counselling. However, the scientific evidence and conceptual grounding of such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) remains unclear. We conducted a scoping review identifying scientific articles on the integration of climate change into communication between health professionals and patients in health-care settings. Scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were searched from inception until Nov 30, 2022. 97 articles were included, of which 33 represented empirical research, and only two evaluated the effects of CSHC. More than half of the articles originated from the USA and addressed physicians. We introduce a conceptual framework for CSHC, which elaborates on aims, content areas, and communication strategies, and establishes the guiding principle of integrating CSHC into routine activities of health care. This framework supports health professionals in implementing CSHC and enables researchers to conceptualise intervention studies investigating how CSHC can contribute to the health of patients and the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Quitmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvan Griesel
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Nayna Schwerdtle
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR)-Climate Change and Health AI Lab, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ina Danquah
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina Herrmann
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Medical Faculty University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Rybol L, Nieder J, Amelung D, Hachad H, Sauerborn R, Depoux A, Herrmann A. Integrating climate change and health topics into the medical curriculum - a quantitative needs assessment of medical students at Heidelberg University in Germany. GMS JOURNAL FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 40:Doc36. [PMID: 37377571 PMCID: PMC10291352 DOI: 10.3205/zma001618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Climate change (CC) is of major importance for physicians as they are directly confronted with changing disease patterns, work in a greenhouse gas intensive sector and can be potential advocates for healthy people on a healthy planet. Methods We assessed third to fifth year medical students' needs to support the integration of CC topics into medical curricula. A questionnaire with 54 single choice-based items was newly designed with the following sections: role perception, knowledge test, learning needs, preference of educational strategies and demographic characteristics. It was administered online to students at Heidelberg medical faculty. Data sets were used for descriptive statistics and regression modelling. Results 72.4% of students (N=170, 56.2% female, 76% aged 20-24 years) (strongly) agreed that physicians carry a responsibility to address CC in their work setting while only 4.7% (strongly) agreed that their current medical training had given them enough skills to do so. Knowledge was high in the area of CC, health impacts of CC, vulnerabilities and adaptation (70.1% correct answers). Knowledge gaps were greatest for health co-benefits and climate-friendly healthcare (55.5% and 16.7% of correct answers, respectively). 79.4% wanted to see CC and health included in the medical curriculum with a preference for integration into existing mandatory courses. A multilinear regression model with factors age, gender, semester, aspired work setting, political leaning, role perception and knowledge explained 45.9% of variance for learning needs. Conclusion The presented results encourage the integration of CC and health topics including health co-benefits and climate-friendly healthcare, as well as respective professional role development into existing mandatory courses of the medical curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Rybol
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Nieder
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Sauerborn
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anneliese Depoux
- University of Paris Cité, Centre Virchow-Villermé, Paris, France
| | - Alina Herrmann
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg, Germany
- University Hospital Cologne, Medical Faculty Cologne University, Institute for General Medicine, Cologne, Germany
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15
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Dilger AE, Bergmark RW. Environmental sustainability in otolaryngologic surgery. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023. [DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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Pillay R, Hansraj R, Rampersad N. Disposal of spectacles and contact lenses: Optometrist and lens wearer perspectives. AFRICAN VISION AND EYE HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.4102/aveh.v82i1.784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
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Casson N, Cameron L, Mauro I, Friesen-Hughes K, Rocque R. Perceptions of the health impacts of climate change among Canadians. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:212. [PMID: 36721132 PMCID: PMC9887551 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding public perceptions of the health risks of climate change is critical to inform risk communication and support the adoption of adaptive behaviours. In Canada, very few studies have explored public understandings and perceptions of climate impacts on health. The objective of this study was to address this gap by exploring perceptions of the link between climate change and health. METHODS We conducted a survey of Canadians (n = 3,014) to address this objective. The 116-question survey measured prior consideration of the link between climate change and health, affective assessment of climate health impacts, unprompted knowledge of climate health impacts, and concern about a range of impacts. ANOVA tests were used to assess differences among sociodemographic groups. RESULTS Overall, Canadian's have a similar level of concern about health impacts of climate change compared with concern about other impacts (e.g. biophysical, economic, and national security). Among health-related impacts, respondents were more concerned about impacts on water, food and air quality, compared with impacts on mental health, infectious diseases and heat-related illnesses. There were differences among sociodemographic groups; women were significantly more concerned than men about all of the health-related impacts; respondents with a high school level of education were significantly less concerned about all health-related impacts compared with respondents with more education; and respondents on the political left were more concerned with those in the political centre, who were more concerned than those on the political right. CONCLUSION There is emerging literature suggesting that framing communication around climate change in terms of the health risks it poses may increase perceptions of the proximity of the risks. These results suggest that it is important to be specific in the types of health risks that are communicated, and to consider the concerns of the target sociodemographic groups. The differential knowledge, awareness, and concern of climate health impacts across segments of the Canadian population can inform targeted communication and engagement to build broader support for adaptation and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Casson
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Laura Cameron
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Ian Mauro
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Karl Friesen-Hughes
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Rhéa Rocque
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
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Campbell E, Uppalapati SS, Kotcher J, Maibach E. Communication research to improve engagement with climate change and human health: A review. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1086858. [PMID: 36777765 PMCID: PMC9909232 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1086858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the world's dependence on fossil fuels, climate change and air pollution are profoundly harming both human and planetary health. Fortunately, climate solutions are also health solutions, and they present both local and global opportunities to foster cleaner, healthier, and safer communities. In this review, we briefly discuss the human health harms of climate change, climate and health solutions, and provide a thorough synthesis of social science research on climate and health communication. Through our review, we found that social science research provides an evidence-based foundation for messaging strategies that can build public and political will for climate and health solutions. Specifically, messages that convey the health harms of climate change and highlight the health benefits of climate solutions may be especially effective in building this public and political will. We also found that health professionals are trusted sources of information about climate change, and many have shown interest in engaging with the public and policymakers about the health relevance of climate change and clean energy. Together, the alignment between message strategies and the interest of highly trusted messengers strongly suggests the potential of health students and health professionals to create the conditions necessary to address climate change as a public health imperative. Therefore, our review serves as a resource for those interested in communicating about climate change and health and suggests that social scientists can continue to support practitioners with research and advice on the most effective communication strategies.
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van Baal K, Stiel S, Schulte P. Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Health-A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1464. [PMID: 36674220 PMCID: PMC9859516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is inseparably linked to human health. Although there is growing awareness of the threats to human health caused by climate change, it remains unclear how the German population perceives the relevance of climate change and its health consequences. Between May and September 2022, German residents were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey that explored three content areas: (1) the relevance of climate change, (2) health risks in connection with climate change and (3) collective and individual options for action against climate change. A total of 697 full data sets were collected for analysis (72% female, 51% ≥55 years old). The majority of participants agreed that human-induced climate change exists (85%), and that it has an impact on human health (83%). They also perceived the global population to be more strongly impacted by climate change than themselves (89% versus 68%). Most participants (76%) claimed to personally contribute to climate protection and 23% felt that their city or council contributed to climate protection. Although the majority of participants saw climate change as a threat to human health, they perceived other population groups to be most strongly affected. Cognitive dissonance might explain this lack of individual concern and one approach to addressing such distorted perceptions might be the dissemination of appropriate risk communication with health professionals involved in the communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Baal
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Schulte
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Länger Besser Leben. Institute, University of Applied Sciences Weserbergland, Am Stockhof 2, 31785 Hameln, Germany
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McGushin A, de Barros EF, Floss M, Mohammad Y, Ndikum AE, Ngendahayo C, Oduor PA, Sultana S, Wong R, Abelsohn A. The World Organization of Family Doctors Air Health Train the Trainer Program: lessons learned and implications for planetary health education. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e55-e63. [PMID: 36608949 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) Air Health Train the Trainer Program was a pilot educational programme that focused on a key aspect of planetary health: the intersection of air pollution, human health, and climate change. In this Viewpoint, we-the coordinators of the training programme and some of the most active trainers-briefly describe the programme and discuss implementation successes, challenges, and lessons learned, which relate to the creation and use of training materials appropriate for health professionals in low-income and middle-income countries, strategies to improve the retention of trainers to deliver activities in their communities, and the development of stronger networks and further tools to support trainers. These findings could be applied to future education and training programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice McGushin
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Enrique Falceto de Barros
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde-Programa de Pós Graduação de Educação em Ciências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mayara Floss
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yousser Mohammad
- GARD-WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training for Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Comorbidities, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Al-Sham Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Achiri E Ndikum
- Department of Animal Biology, The University of Yaoundé 1, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Peter A Oduor
- School of Public Health, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sadia Sultana
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, BSM Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rachel Wong
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alan Abelsohn
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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U.S. medical organizations and climate change advocacy: a review of public facing websites. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1950. [PMID: 36271371 PMCID: PMC9585738 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14339-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change poses a risk of health catastrophes and must be expeditiously addressed across the health care sector. Physicians are considered trustworthy and are well positioned to discuss climate change with patients. A unified strategy by all U.S. medical societies is essential to effectively mitigate their carbon footprint and address health concerns. Methods We conducted a review of the public facing websites of member organizations of the AMA House of Delegates and the AMA, which were scored based on inclusion of content related to climate change in position statements or policies, task forces or committees, patient education materials, practice recommendations and any official society publications. Membership in the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health or participation in the organization My Green Doctor were recorded as indicators of a commitment to providing educational resources about mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The availability of a virtual option for annual meetings, as a potential means to reduce the carbon footprint of attendees, was trended from 2021 to 2022. Results Fifty out of 111 U.S. medical organizations (45%) had at least one metric with a reference to climate change and sixty-one organizations (55%) had no evidence of such website content. Out of 111 websites, only 20% (N = 22) had position statements or policies pertaining to climate change, 11% (N = 12) had committees or task forces dealing with climate change, 8% (N = 9) provided patient education resources on climate change, 21% (N = 23) included green practice recommendations and 45% (N = 50) had an article in an official society publication addressing climate change. Only 14% (N = 15) were listed as member societies of the Medical Consortium on Climate Change and 2% (N = 2) were participating organizations with My Green Doctor. Conclusions Viewed through the lens of medical society websites, there was a wide variation in efforts to address climate change. The high performing organizations can serve as a guide for other societies to help mitigate and adapt to the climate emergency.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14339-7.
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Abstract
Although global climate change poses a real and looming threat to both human societies and the natural world, large gaps in understanding exist between the general public and the scientific community. One factor contributing to such gaps could be the use of intuitive thinking to understand complex phenomena. In two studies, we explore climate change understanding and engagement through the lens of an intuitive pattern of thinking, human exceptionalism, which refers to the tendency to infer that humans are exceptional to, and separable from, the rest of the natural world. In both studies, undergraduates thought about global climate change in human exceptionalist ways that were orthogonal to accuracy—for example, they correctly think that humans uniquely contribute to climate change compared to other organisms, but incorrectly think that humans will be uniquely immune to the effects of global climate change. Moreover, human exceptionalist thinking has real-world consequences; it was negatively associated with eco-friendly attitudes and behaviors, and negatively predicted individuals’ attribution of damage from recent hurricanes (i.e., hurricanes Michael and Florence) to global climate change. Finally, we demonstrated that increasing the salience of connections between humans and global climate change reduced human exceptionalism. Findings suggest that intuitive thinking in general, and human exceptionalism in particular, make important contributions to how we understand and reason about global climate change, and may be promising targets for interventions aimed at increasing pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors.
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Global Warming’s Six MTurks: A Secondary Analysis of a US-Based Online Crowdsourcing Market. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148320. [PMID: 35886164 PMCID: PMC9323866 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Using a global warming audience segmentation tool (Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY)) as a case study, we consider how public health can use consumer panels and online crowdsourcing markets (OCMs) in research. Through a secondary analysis, we aim to understand how consumer panels and OCMs are similar to or different from each other on demographics and global warming beliefs through SASSY, and how they compare to US Census estimates. With this information, researchers will understand public opinion of global warming in their sample, which is useful for many climate change initiatives. Neither the consumer panel (Ipsos) or OCM sample (MTurk) matched US estimates of population demographics. Both panels achieved similar SASSY segments, showing that even with diverse sampling frames, SASSY is a useful tool for understanding global warming sentiment. Compared to Ipsos, MTurk was younger (more Millennials and Generation X), had higher educational attainment, and lower income. Both panels were majority White, but Ipsos was more diverse than the unweighted MTurk. Ipsos had more respondents from the South whereas MTurk had more respondents from the West. Across the MTurk SASSY segment, there were no significant differences for the majority of demographic characteristics except for age; younger generations were more Alarmed or Concerned, and older generations were more Doubtful and Dismissive. Researchers interested in understanding their sample’s opinions of global warming should use SASSY and consider oversampling in key demographic variables if they intend to achieve a nationally representative and diverse sample.
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Talking about Climate Change and Environmental Degradation with Patients in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Potential Domains of Action and Points of View of General Practitioners. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084901. [PMID: 35457768 PMCID: PMC9029888 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: General practitioners (GPs) could play a role in mitigating climate change by raising awareness of its impact on human health and implementing changes to improve population health and decreasing environmental footprints. The aim of this study was to assess GPs’ knowledge and perspectives about the health impacts of climate change. Method: A questionnaire was sent to 1972 GPs in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Knowledge of the impact of environmental degradations and climate change on health and willingness to address climate change with patients, to be exemplary and to act as role models were surveyed as well as demographic characteristics of GPs. Results: Respondents (N = 497) expressed a high level of self-reported knowledge regarding climate change, although it was lower for more specific topics, such as planetary health or health–environment co-benefits. Participants mostly agreed that it is necessary to adapt clinical practice to the health impacts of climate change and that they have a role in providing information on climate change and its links to human health. Conclusion: Most of the GPs were concerned about environmental and climate degradation. However, this study revealed a gap between the willingness of GPs to integrate the impact of climate change on health into their clinical activities and their lack of overall knowledge and scientific evidence on effective interventions. A promising way forward may be to develop co-benefit interventions adapted to the clinical setting on diet, active mobility and connecting with nature.
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Aylward B, Cunsolo A, Vriezen R, Harper SL. Climate change is impacting mental health in North America: A systematic scoping review of the hazards, exposures, vulnerabilities, risks and responses. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:34-50. [PMID: 35584021 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2029368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As climate change progresses, it is crucial that researchers and policymakers understand the ways in which climate-mental health risks arise through interactions between climate hazards, human exposure and social vulnerabilities across time and location. This scoping review systematically examined the nature, range and extent of published research in North America that investigates climate-mental health interactions. Five electronic databases were searched and two independent reviewers applied pre-determined criteria to assess the eligibility of articles identified in the search. Eighty-nine articles were determined to be relevant and underwent data extraction and analysis. The published literature reported on numerous exposure pathways through which acute and chronic climate hazards interacted with social vulnerabilities to increase mental health risks, including wellbeing, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. This review also highlights important gaps within the North American climate-mental health evidence base, including minimal research conducted in Mexico, as well as a lack of studies investigating climate-mental health adaptation strategies and projected future mental health risks. Further research should support effective preparation for and adaptation to the current and future mental health impacts of climate change. Such strategies could reduce health risks and the long-term mental health impacts that individuals and communities experience in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Aylward
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus of Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada
| | - Rachael Vriezen
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Bugaj TJ, Heilborn M, Terhoeven V, Kaisinger S, Nagy E, Friederich HC, Nikendei C. What do Final Year Medical Students in Germany know and think about Climate Change? - The ClimAttitude Study. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2021; 26:1917037. [PMID: 33886438 PMCID: PMC8079051 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2021.1917037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate change (CC) is adversely affecting human health and will become far more dangerous in the future, if no substantial measures are taken. Young people in particular are taking an energetic stand for CC awareness. Some CC experts argue that medical doctors are especially well positioned to inform about the impact of CC on public health, as it is well established that they are among the most trusted members of society. However, medical doctors seem to be unsure of their role in addressing CC. This study aimed to investigate future doctors´, i.e., final year medical students´ (FYMS), attitudes towards CC and their personal role in CC education and health care. A questionnaire was developed to examine (1) the expected consequences of CC for FYMS, (2) their perceived individual responsibility, and their attitudes towards an additional (3) professional responsibility. To examine the climate-questionnaire's component correlations, we ran a factor analysis using oblique (promax) rotation and conducted a one-way ANOVA with repeated measures to compare the mean scores of the factors. Data are presented as mean ± SD or percentage, as appropriate. n = 65 FYMS (response rate: 87%) were participating and all of them completed the questionnaire. Items of the factor professional responsibility showed the lowest level of agreement (47.2 ± 21.2), while the 2 other factors showed higher levels of agreement (expected consequences (75.6 ± 18.4), individual responsibility (75.1 ± 20.6). Future doctors at Heidelberg University Hospital are well-informed about the expected health consequences of CC. They recognize human contributions to CC and make personal decisions to mitigate the impact. However, the opinion that they have a professional responsibility as physicians to patients or society in regard to CC is weaker. Specific teaching could help to change the way future doctors see their role and responsibility in tackling CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- CONTACT Till Johannes Bugaj Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Inf 410, HeidelbergD-69120, Germany
| | - Marie Heilborn
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valentin Terhoeven
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Kaisinger
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ede Nagy
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University of Heidelberg Medical Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Liang KE, Dawson JQ, Stoian MD, Clark DG, Wynes S, Donner SD. A carbon footprint study of the Canadian medical residency interview tour. MEDICAL TEACHER 2021; 43:1302-1308. [PMID: 34227912 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2021.1944612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each spring, thousands of Canadian medical students travel across the country to interview for residency positions, a process known as the CaRMS tour. Despite the large scale of travel, the CaRMS tour has received little environmental scrutiny. PURPOSE To estimate the national carbon footprint of flights associated with the CaRMS tour, as well as reductions in emissions achievable by transitioning to alternative models. METHODS We developed a three-question online commuter survey to collect the unique travel itineraries of applicants in the 2020 CaRMS tour. We calculated the emissions associated with all flights and modelled expected emissions for two alternative in-person interview models, and two virtual interview models. RESULTS We collected 960 responses out of 2943 applicants across all 17 Canadian medical schools. We calculated the carbon footprint of flights for the 2020 CaRMS as 4239 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents), averaging 1.44 tCO2e per applicant. The average applicant's tour emissions represent 35.1% of the average Canadian's annual household carbon footprint, and the emissions of 26.7% of respondents exceeded their entire annual '2050 carbon budget.' Centralized in-person interviews could reduce emissions by 13.7% to 74.7%, and virtual interviews by at least 98.4% to 99.9%. CONCLUSIONS Mandatory in-person residency interviews in Canada contribute significant emissions and reflect a culture of emissions-intensive practices. Considerable decarbonization of the CaRMS tour is possible, and transitioning to virtual interviews could eliminate the footprint almost entirely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Liang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jessica Q Dawson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Matei D Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dylan G Clark
- Canadian Institute for Climate Choices, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seth Wynes
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Simon D Donner
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Xie E, Howard C, Buchman S, Miller FA. Acting on climate change for a healthier future: Critical role for primary care in Canada. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2021; 67:725-730. [PMID: 34649894 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.6710725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Xie
- Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto in Ontario and Clinician Investigator at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute
| | - Courtney Howard
- Clinical Associate Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary in Alberta
| | - Sandy Buchman
- Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and Freeman Family Chair in Palliative Care at North York General Hospital
| | - Fiona A Miller
- Professor of Health Policy and Chair in Health Management Strategies in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto
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Dressel A, Mkandawire E, Mkandawire-Valhmu L, Dyke E, Bisai C, Kantayeni H, Kako P, Ochoa-Nordstrum B. A black dog enters the home: hunger and malnutrition in Malawi. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2021; 47:e8. [PMID: 34088800 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2020-012130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hunger and inadequate nutrition are ongoing concerns in rural Malawi and are exemplified in traditional proverbs. Traditional proverbs and common expressions offer insight into commonly held truths across societies throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Strong oral traditions allow community beliefs embodied in proverbs to be passed down from generation to generation. In our qualitative study, we conducted 8 individual and 12 focus group interviews with a total of 83 participants across two districts in rural central Malawi with the aim of soliciting context-specific details on men and women's knowledge, attitudes and practices related to nutrition, gender equality and women's empowerment. Each interview began by asking participants to share common proverbs related to nutrition. Our qualitative analysis, informed by an indigenous-based theoretical framework that recognises and centres African indigenous knowledge production, yielded six themes: 'a black dog enters the home', 'don't stay with your hands hanging', 'a man is at the stomach', 'showers have fallen', 'we lack peace in our hearts' and 'the hunger season'. Traditional proverbs can provide insight into the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition. Physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals around the world have a role to play in addressing hunger and malnutrition, which have been exacerbated by climate change. We have an ethical duty to educate ourselves and others, and change our behaviours, to mitigate the root causes of climate change, which are contributing to food insecurity and resultant poor health outcomes in countries like Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dressel
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mkandawire
- African Research University Alliance (ARUA) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Elizabeth Dyke
- Health and Social Development, Consultant, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Peninnah Kako
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Swim JK, Geiger N, Guerriero JG. Not out of MY bank account! Science messaging when climate change policies carry personal financial costs. THINKING & REASONING 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13546783.2021.1957710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet K. Swim
- The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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Rossa-Roccor V, Giang A, Kershaw P. Framing climate change as a human health issue: enough to tip the scale in climate policy? Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e553-e559. [PMID: 34390673 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Almost four decades of climate science have not yet led to transformative policy change at the pace and scale required to confront the climate crisis. Colleagues in the planetary health community attribute much potential to framing climate change as human health issue in order to create greater impact on policy makers. In this Personal View, we discuss the promise and limitations of this approach by drawing on insights from political science and public policy with regards to the complexity of these contentious policy issues. We argue that we, as academics, have a moral obligation to embrace an active role in the knowledge-to-action (KTA) sphere and that we would be well advised to expand our KTA approach to include evidence-based strategies, such as lobbying or civil resistance. As scientists, we can no longer wait to embrace the realpolitik insights of political science to move our evidence into policy action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Rossa-Roccor
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Amanda Giang
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Kershaw
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Generation Squeeze, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Evidence-based communication on climate change and health: Testing videos, text, and maps on climate change and Lyme disease in Manitoba, Canada. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252952. [PMID: 34111202 PMCID: PMC8191974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the climate crisis and its cumulative impacts on public health, effective communication strategies that engage the public in adaptation and mitigation are critical. Many have argued that a health frame increases engagement, as do visual methodologies including online and interactive platforms, yet to date there has been limited research on audience responses to health messaging using visual interventions. This study explores public attitudes regarding communication tools focused on climate change and climate-affected Lyme disease through six focus groups (n = 61) in rural and urban southern Manitoba, Canada. The results add to the growing evidence of the efficacy of visual and storytelling methods in climate communications and argues for a continuum of mediums: moving from video, text, to maps. Findings underscore the importance of tailoring both communication messages and mediums to increase uptake of adaptive health and environmental behaviours, for some audiences bridging health and climate change while for others strategically decoupling them.
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Cameron L, Rocque R, Penner K, Mauro I. Public perceptions of Lyme disease and climate change in southern Manitoba, Canada: making a case for strategic decoupling of climate and health messages. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:617. [PMID: 33781235 PMCID: PMC8008613 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10614-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite scientific evidence that climate change has profound and far reaching implications for public health, translating this knowledge in a manner that supports citizen engagement, applied decision-making, and behavioural change can be challenging. This is especially true for complex vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease which is increasing in range and impact across Canada and internationally in large part due to climate change. This exploratory research aims to better understand public risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease in order to increase engagement and motivate behavioural change. METHODS A focus group study involving 61 participants was conducted in three communities in the Canadian Prairie province of Manitoba in 2019. Focus groups were segmented by urban, rural, and urban-rural geographies, and between participants with high and low levels of self-reported concern regarding climate change. RESULTS Findings indicate a broad range of knowledge and risk perceptions on both climate change and Lyme disease, which seem to reflect the controversy and complexity of both issues in the larger public discourse. Participants in high climate concern groups were found to have greater climate change knowledge, higher perception of risk, and less skepticism than those in low concern groups. Participants outside of the urban centre were found to have more familiarity with ticks, Lyme disease, and preventative behaviours, identifying differential sources of resilience and vulnerability. Risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease were found to vary independently rather than correlate, meaning that high climate change risk perception did not necessarily indicate high Lyme disease risk perception and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS This research contributes to the growing literature framing climate change as a public health issue, and suggests that in certain cases climate and health messages might be framed in a way that strategically decouples the issue when addressing climate skeptical audiences. A model showing the potential relationship between Lyme disease and climate change perceptions is proposed, and implications for engagement on climate change health impacts are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cameron
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada.
| | - Rhéa Rocque
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Kailey Penner
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Ian Mauro
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada.
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Role of Health Professionals Regarding the Impact of Climate Change on Health-An Exploratory Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18063222. [PMID: 33804669 PMCID: PMC8003659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Health professionals are increasingly urged to act to protect individuals and populations against the negative effects of climate and environment change on health. However, the amount of evidence supporting initiatives to that end is unknown. We explored the literature examining the awareness, preparedness, and role of healthcare professionals to inform about the impact of climate change on health on the one hand, and literature about the effectiveness of interventions mediated by health professionals aiming at reducing the environmental impact of human activities on the other hand. We included 137 articles published between 2000 and 2020, mostly in general medical and nursing journals. The typical article was a perspective, commentary, or other special article aimed at alerting readers about the impact of climate and environment change on health. We identified 22 studies, of which only two reported interventions. Despite increasing efforts of health professionals to address climate and environment change and related health risks, health literature supporting such efforts remains scarce, and studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions are lacking. We need appropriate evidence to indicate which interventions should be prioritized, considering that the association of health issues with climate and environment change could constitute an effective lever for change.
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An Assessment of Public Knowledge and Potential Health Impacts of Global Warming in Ghana. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7804692. [PMID: 33376738 PMCID: PMC7746438 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7804692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Global warming is a serious threat to human existence. The relatively higher level of global warming in recent times poses higher health risks to humans, both directly and indirectly. The aim of the study was to investigate public knowledge of global warming and its effects on human health. A nationally representative survey of Ghanaian adults (N = 1130) was conducted from November 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019. Results show that 84.4% of the respondents understood the meaning of global warming. Respondents' perceived causes of global warming include natural processes, deforestation, act of the gods, burning of fossil fuel, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from vehicles and industries. The majority of the respondents (83.4%) indicated that global warming has an impact on human health, while 8.5% indicated that it does not. Majority (78.6%) of the respondents are willing to support efforts to reduce the intensity of global warming. Television (19.1%) and social media (18.6%) were the leading preferred methods for receipt of global warming information. These findings provide useful insights for policy directions. The Government of Ghana and other stakeholders in health should develop a communication strategy to increase and sustain publicity and education of the citizenry on global warming.
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Thermally stable amine-functionalized silica sorbents using one-pot synthesis method for CO2 capture at low temperature. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-020-0655-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee N Salas
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Lemery J, Balbus J, Sorensen C, Rublee C, Dresser C, Balsari S, Calvello Hynes E. Training Clinical And Public Health Leaders In Climate And Health. Health Aff (Millwood) 2020; 39:2189-2196. [PMID: 33284695 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.01186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The effects of climate change are accelerating and undermining human health and well-being in many different ways. There is no doubt that the health care sector will need to adapt, and although it has begun to develop more targeted strategies to address climate-related challenges, a broad knowledge gap persists. There is a critical need to develop and cultivate new knowledge and skill sets among health professionals, including those in public health, environmental science, policy, and communication roles. This article describes specific initiatives to train future leaders to be proficient in understanding the linkages between climate change and health. We present an agenda for expanding education on climate and health through health professional schools and graduate and postgraduate curricula, as well as in professional and continuing education settings. Our agenda also identifies ways to promote sustainability in clinical practice and health care management and policy. Throughout, we cite metrics by which to measure progress and highlight potential barriers to achieving these educational objectives on a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Lemery
- Jay Lemery is a professor of emergency medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in Aurora, Colorado
| | - John Balbus
- John Balbus is a senior advisor of public health at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cecilia Sorensen
- Cecilia Sorensen is an instructor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Caitlin Rublee
- Caitlin Rublee is an assistant professor of emergency medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Caleb Dresser
- Caleb Dresser is the 2019-2021 Climate and Human Health Fellow at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, in Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Satchit Balsari
- Satchit Balsari is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, in Boston
| | - Emile Calvello Hynes
- Emilie Calvello Hynes is an associate professor of emergency medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine
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Albright K, Shah P, Santodomingo M, Scandlyn J. Dissemination of Information About Climate Change by State and Local Public Health Departments: United States, 2019-2020. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1184-1190. [PMID: 32552020 PMCID: PMC7349453 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To determine if and how state and local public health departments present information about climate change on their Web sites, their most public-facing platform.Methods. We collected data from every functioning state (n = 50), county (n = 2090), and city (n = 585) public health department Web site in the United States in 2019 and 2020. We analyzed data for presence and type of climate-related content and to determine whether there existed clear ways to find climate change information. We analyzed Web sites providing original content about climate change for explanatory or attributional language.Results. Fewer than half (40%) of state health department Web sites, and only 1.6% of county and 3.9% of city Web sites, provided clear ways to find climate change information, whether through provision of original content or links to external agencies' Web sites. Among Web sites providing original content, 48% provided no explanation of climate change causes.Conclusions. National and global public health associations have identified climate change as a public health emergency, but most state and local public health departments are not delivering that message. These departments must be better supported to facilitate dissemination of reliable, scientific information about climate change and its effects on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Albright
- Karen Albright is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora. Pari Shah is with the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO. Melodie Santodomingo is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Community & Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora. Jean Scandlyn is with the Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver
| | - Pari Shah
- Karen Albright is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora. Pari Shah is with the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO. Melodie Santodomingo is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Community & Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora. Jean Scandlyn is with the Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver
| | - Melodie Santodomingo
- Karen Albright is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora. Pari Shah is with the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO. Melodie Santodomingo is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Community & Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora. Jean Scandlyn is with the Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver
| | - Jean Scandlyn
- Karen Albright is with the Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, and the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora. Pari Shah is with the Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO. Melodie Santodomingo is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Community & Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora. Jean Scandlyn is with the Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Denver
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Behera MR, Behera D, Satpathy SK. Planetary health and the role of community health workers. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:3183-3188. [PMID: 33102267 PMCID: PMC7567207 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_328_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In this era, grand challenges lies in biodiversity loss, climate change, and global noncommunicable diseases signify that planet and humanity are in crisis. Scholarly evidence from human and animal kingdom suggest that there is an optimism in planetary health which can provide a unique and novel concept where efforts toward survival and remediation can be made. With accurate navigation, the current challenges can be mitigated leading to a new reality, one in which the core value is the well-being of all. This paper discusses the drivers of planetary health and the role of community health workers (CHWs) in making health-care system more resilient that can produce multiple benefits to community and overall planetary health. A web-based international database such as Google, Google Scholar, SCOPUS/MEDLINE/PubMed, and JSTOR was searched relevant to a planetary health framework. The study findings suggest that CHWs can offer health care interventions through environmental health cobenefits across the spectrum of health effects of climate change cause and effects. These actions have been divided into four major categories (i. health care promotion and prevention, ii. health care strengthening, iii. advocacy, and iv. education and research) that CHWs perform through a variety of roles and functions they are engaged in protecting planetary health. CHWs contribute toward achieving sustainable development goals such as planetary health and focus on environment sustainability and well-being of entire mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas R Behera
- School of Public Health, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Deepanjali Behera
- School of Public Health, Asian Institute of Public Health (AIPH) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sudhir K Satpathy
- School of Public Health, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Ryan EC, Dubrow R, Sherman JD. Medical, nursing, and physician assistant student knowledge and attitudes toward climate change, pollution, and resource conservation in health care. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:200. [PMID: 32576175 PMCID: PMC7310528 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change and pollution generated by the health care sector impose significant public health burdens. This study aimed to assess medical, nursing and physician assistant student knowledge and attitudes regarding climate change, pollution from the health care sector, and responsibility for resource conservation within professional practice. METHODS In February-March, 2018, medical, nursing, and physician assistant students at Yale University (1011 potential respondents) were sent a 17-question online Qualtrics survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, as well as Fisher's exact test and logistic regression to assess associations between variables of interest and the personal characteristics of gender, age, geographic place of origin, school, and year in school (among medical students). RESULTS The response rate was 28% (280 respondents). 90% felt that physicians, nurses, and physician assistants have a responsibility to conserve resources and prevent pollution within their professional practice. 63% agreed or strongly agreed that the relationship between pollution, climate change, and health should be covered in the classroom and should be reinforced in the clinical setting. 57% preferred or strongly preferred reusable devices. 91% felt lack of time and production pressure, and 85% believed that lack of education on disease burden stemming from health care pollution, were barriers to taking responsibility for resource conservation and pollution prevention. Women and physician assistant students exhibited a greater commitment than men and medical students, respectively, to address pollution, climate change, and resource conservation in patient care and professional practice. CONCLUSION We found that health professional students are engaged with the concept of environmental stewardship in clinical practice and would like to see pollution, climate change, and health covered in their curriculum. In order for this education to be most impactful, more research and industry transparency regarding the environmental footprint of health care materials and specific clinician resource consumption patterns will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Ryan
- Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Robert Dubrow
- Environmental Health Sciences, Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jodi D Sherman
- Anesthesiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Addressing Climate Change Communication: Effective Engagement of Populations for Climate Action in the US and Globally. Ann Glob Health 2020; 86:54. [PMID: 32477890 PMCID: PMC7243828 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communication about climate change is critical in addressing the greatest public health challenge of our time. Public health professionals must convey the human implications of climate change and educating populations regarding climate change as a threat to the health and wellbeing of people globally. Effective communication to engage individuals, communities, and populations is critical to debate as we focus on the most urgent public health problem of our time. Objective: Public health professionals are aware of the deleterious health consequences related to climate change; however, key segments of the population are not. This paper addressed key concepts related to climate change communication. Methods: Databases were searched including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus from 2015 to 2020 to obtain the most recent relevant literature using search terms that included climate change, climate communication, climate action, and climate change engagement. Findings: Climate change communication as viewed through the lens of Six Americas—a national survey that categorized people regarding their beliefs about climate change from those who are Dismissive, Doubtful, Disengaged, Cautious, Concerned, or Alarmed is a valid perspective for engaging populations in climate communication and climate action. Conclusions: Using the framework developed by the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, we suggest that adopting this framework from a US perspective to a global perspective and surveying across countries and context is imperative to advance global understanding of the impact of climate change on health.
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Needed: new authority to build public health system capacity for climate change health threats. J Public Health Policy 2020; 41:14-23. [PMID: 31988428 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-019-00210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Strong public health system capacity is essential to protection against climate change health threats. Taken as a whole, the United States (U.S.) public health system lacks the requisite capacity. Unlike some other countries, the U.S. federal government and most state and local governments give low priority to strengthening public health capacity even though states and localities have begun investing billions of dollars in strategies to protect physical infrastructure from climate change-related severe weather events. I recommend enactment of new legislative authority specifically to develop public health capacity more rapidly and completely. Doing so can give new impetus to construction of, ultimately, a national public health system able to protect all those who reside in the U.S. from climate change health threats and to serve as a model for building such system capacity globally.
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From Air Pollution to the Anthropocene and Planetary Health. Implications for Clinicians, Researchers, and Society. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2019; 17:165-168. [PMID: 31661632 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201910-730ps] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Fox M, Zuidema C, Bauman B, Burke T, Sheehan M. Integrating Public Health into Climate Change Policy and Planning: State of Practice Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183232. [PMID: 31487789 PMCID: PMC6765852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Policy action in the coming decade will be crucial to achieving globally agreed upon goals to decarbonize the economy and build resilience to a warmer, more extreme climate. Public health has an essential role in climate planning and action: “Co-benefits” to health help underpin greenhouse gas reduction strategies, while safeguarding health—particularly of the most vulnerable—is a frontline local adaptation goal. Using the structure of the core functions and essential services (CFES), we reviewed the literature documenting the evolution of public health’s role in climate change action since the 2009 launch of the US CDC Climate and Health Program. We found that the public health response to climate change has been promising in the area of assessment (monitoring climate hazards, diagnosing health status, assessing vulnerability); mixed in the area of policy development (mobilizing partnerships, mitigation and adaptation activities); and relatively weak in assurance (communication, workforce development and evaluation). We suggest that the CFES model remains important, but is not aligned with three concepts—governance, implementation and adjustment—that have taken on increasing importance. Adding these concepts to the model can help ensure that public health fulfills its potential as a proactive partner fully integrated into climate policy planning and action in the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Christopher Zuidema
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Bridget Bauman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Thomas Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Mary Sheehan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bernstein
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, USA
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA
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Yang L, Liu C, Hess J, Phung D, Huang C. Health professionals in a changing climate: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024451. [PMID: 30798312 PMCID: PMC6398618 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change will impose significant health impacts. Although we know health professionals should play a critical role in protecting human health from climate change, their preparedness to engage with these issues worldwide is unclear. This study aims to map the range and nature of existing evidence regarding health professionals' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices regarding climate change and health impacts and the challenges they face, and identify knowledge gaps to guide future development of research, policy and practices. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will perform a scoping review based on the six-stage framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Our study includes peer-reviewed literature focusing on any aspect of health professionals' work regarding climate change and health since 2002 and indexed in MEDLINE/Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus or Embase. Identified papers will be described and assessed. Thematic analysis will be applied to evaluate and categorise the study findings. IMPLICATIONS AND DISSEMINATION This is the first scoping review of health professionals' activities to anticipate and prepare for health impacts attributable to climate change. It will provide evidence regarding the current situations worldwide and gaps in preparedness. The findings can be used to highlight accomplishments to date, identify gaps and further develop good practices for health professionals' engagement. The results will be published in the peer-reviewed literature and shared at health professional society meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianping Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaojie Liu
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hess
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Dung Phung
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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48
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Hussey LK, Arku G. Conceptualizations of climate-related health risks among health experts and the public in Ghana. Soc Sci Med 2019; 223:40-50. [PMID: 30708170 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
One major area that has gathered public attention in relation to climate change is health risks. Studies into risk perceptions have acknowledged differences between public and expert knowledge. What is less known is how perceptions of climate change related health risk vary between the public and health experts and how these differentiated perceptions are shaped and modified by everyday complex climate change narratives from multiple actors, and contextual ecologies of social and physical spaces. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to elucidate climate change knowledge and awareness of climate-related health risks among health experts and the public. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on community members (n = 927) and health experts (n = 99) in Savelugu-Nanton and Ada East Districts in Ghana. The results showed that both groups were likely to report climate change-related health concerns, of which disease was the top concern. However, differences exist in public and experts' perceptions of climate change health linkage. Community members were less likely to link climate change to health risks compared with health experts (OR = 0.02, p ≤ 0.000). The contrasting climate change health risk perceptions between health experts and the public adds to the literature on the health dimensions of global environmental change. The findings from this study highlight limited knowledge about climate change health related risks among the public. Hence, in building sustainable communities in light of persistent climate change impacts, it is crucial to improve climate change adaptation by implementing climate change sensitization programs. In addition, health infrastructure, decision-making and management should be strengthened for effective response to emerging climate-health risks in Ghana and similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Kafui Hussey
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada.
| | - Godwin Arku
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
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Liao W, Yang L, Zhong S, Hess JJ, Wang Q, Bao J, Huang C. Preparing the next generation of health professionals to tackle climate change: Are China's medical students ready? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 168:270-277. [PMID: 30342323 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Medical students will lead the health sector responses and adaptation efforts in the near future, yet little is known in China about their knowledge, perceptions and preparedness to meet these challenges. METHODS A nationwide study was conducted at five medical universities across different regions of China using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to collect the information including perception, preparedness and educational needs in response to climate change. The data were first analyzed descriptively, then chi-square tests and kruskal wallis tests were applied to determined differences among subgroups, and logistic regression analysis were deployed to detect the socio-demographic factors influencing student's perception. RESULTS A total of 1436 medical students were approached and 1387 participated in the study (96.6% response rate). Most students were aware of the health impacts because of climate change, with over 90% perceived air quality-related and heat-related illness, while only a small part identified undernutrition and mental health. Approximately 90% embraced their role in tackling climate change, but 50% reported themselves and the health sectors were not adequately prepared. Compared to clinical students, preventive medicine students were more likely to perceive their responsibility to address climate change (OR:1.36, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.78). Also, 80% students admitted insufficient information and knowledge on climate change and health. Most students agreed that climate change and its health impacts should be included into their current curriculum. CONCLUSIONS Medical students in China were aware of climate change and felt responsible, but were not ready to make responses to its health impacts. Educational efforts should reinforce eco-medical literacy development and capacity building in the era of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmin Liao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianping Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Zhong
- Center for Chinese Public Administration Research, School of Government, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jeremy J Hess
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhe Bao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Associations between Knowledge of the Causes and Perceived Impacts of Climate Change: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical, Public Health and Nursing Students in Universities in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122650. [PMID: 30486282 PMCID: PMC6313669 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to measure the knowledge and perceptions of medical, public health, and nursing students about climate change and its impacts, and to identify associations between the knowledge and perceptions. Data were from a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 1387 students sampled in five different regional universities in China (April–May 2017). The knowledge and perceptions of the participants were collected by self-administered questionnaires. We found that most respondents believed that climate change is generally “bad” (83%) and bad for human health (88%), while 67% believed that climate change is controllable. The vast majority of respondents acknowledged illness conditions resulting from poor air quality (95%), heat stress (93%), and extreme weather events (91%) as potential impacts of climate change. Nevertheless, only 39% recognized malnutrition as a consequence of food deprivation resulting from climate change. Around 58% of respondents could correctly identify the causes of climate change. The knowledge of the causes of climate change was not associated with the ability to recognize the health consequences of climate change. However, the knowledge of causes of climate change was a significant predictor of increased awareness of the negative impacts of climate change between the medical and nursing students, although this was not the case among their public health counterparts. Poor knowledge about the causes of climate change is evident among students in China. They are able to recognize the direct links between weather events and health, but less likely to understand the consequences involving complicated pathways. Research and training into the underlying mechanisms of health impacts of climate change needs to be strengthened.
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