Climate change poses one of the most significant global health challenges and is already negatively impacting communities around the world. Communicating the health risks of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions is necessary and beneficial. To support this, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with partners, aims to equip health and care workers with the knowledge and confidence to communicate effectively about climate change and health. We have developed a new toolkit.
This toolkit bridges the knowledge and action gap between health and care workers – all people whose primary purpose is to promote health – and those in academic, managerial and scientific roles. The purpose is that. Despite their recognized credibility and effectiveness as health communicators, many health and care workers are not adequately prepared to discuss climate change and its health impacts. There is a possibility. This toolkit aims to change that narrative.
“Health and care workers have a critical role to play in addressing climate change as a health crisis. Their unique position allows them to raise awareness, advocate for policy change and help communities improve climate change. We can empower them to mitigate and adapt to change,” said Dr. María Neira, Director-General of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “By engaging in dialogue and action, health and care workers can accelerate efforts to protect people's health and ensure resilience and a sustainable future for all.”
Climate change impacts health through a variety of pathways, including extreme weather events, air pollution, food insecurity, water shortages, and the spread of infectious diseases. Heat waves, changing weather patterns, and air pollution cause a range of negative health effects, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, mental health problems, and malnutrition. Additionally, health systems face increasing burdens from climate-related challenges, increasing the urgency for action.
This toolkit will help health and care workers understand the health impacts of climate change and the co-benefits of climate action, build trust in communication, and effectively engage with various stakeholders. We provide comprehensive resources to help you. By enabling health and care workers to communicate about climate change and health, it aims to foster collective action to mitigate climate change, build resilience and protect public health. Masu.
This communication toolkit is produced by WHO in collaboration with the Global Climate and Health Alliance, the George Mason University Climate Change Communication Center, the Consortium of Medical Societies on Climate and Health, the Climate and Health Alliance Australia, and the Canadian Medical Association. Developed. Health Canada funding helped develop this toolkit.
Why health professionals should tackle climate change
Our world is witnessing alarming trends such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, water and food security issues, and deteriorating air quality. The frequency and intensity of these phenomena exceeds the ability of both natural and human systems to respond effectively, resulting in far-reaching health implications.
Heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, are linked to negative health outcomes such as heart attacks, kidney disease and mental health disorders. Changing weather patterns threaten food security by reducing crop yields, and air pollution alone contributes to more than 7 million premature deaths annually, mainly from cardiopulmonary diseases. Furthermore, climate-induced water scarcity and pollution accelerate competition for resources, forced migration, and conflict.
The effects of climate change extend beyond physical health, impacting mental health through trauma, loss of livelihood, and uncertainty about the future. Additionally, health systems already strained by the pandemic, energy crisis, and cost-of-living crisis are facing additional strain from extreme weather events and supply chain disruptions.
