Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Health-A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Climate change and human health: a primer on what women's health physicians can do on behalf of their patients and communities

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.

Communicating climate change and health to specific target groups

Background

The German status report on climate change and health 2023 identifies numerous health risks that are caused or exacerbated by climate change. One recommendation arising from the report is to strengthen education, information, and communication in the field. This article aims to serve as a basis for this.

Methods

Based on four survey waves (2022/2023) of the PACE study (Planetary Health Action Survey, n=3,845, online), the status of risk perception as well as the Readiness to Act against climate change in the adult population in Germany is examined and a target group analysis is carried out.

Results

Some health risks due to the climate crisis are perceived as comparatively low (e.g. mental health problems). People with higher risk perception show a higher Readiness to Act. Younger people, men, people with low education, and those living in smaller communities are identified as relevant target groups as they have a lower Readiness to Act. One third state that they never or hardly ever seek out specific information on climate change. Media use differs depending on target group.

Conclusions

Target group-specific communication can help to educate people about the health impacts of the climate crisis. In the discussion of this article, implications from existing literature are discussed in detail, which offer practical guidance for effective climate change communication.