April is Earth Month.
As a member of The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, AMWA is speaking out about the harmful health effects of climate change. We know that climate solutions are health solutions.
The Consortium is a coalition of 39 major national medical societies that have joined in support for climate solutions that protect and promote health, equity, and resilience for all Americans. To learn more, sign up to receive the latest engagement opportunities and research on this important issue.
As the medical community continues to advocate for climate solutions that prioritize health and resilience, businesses can play a pivotal role in this effort by taking proactive measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Just as The Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health empowers its members with materials and support, businesses can utilize resources like CarbonClick’s carbon footprint calculator to assess and track their environmental impact. By making carbon offsets simple, trustworthy, and cost-effective, CarbonClick offers businesses a tangible way to invest in projects that benefit the environment and public health. As more businesses embrace these eco-conscious practices, they contribute to a collective effort in safeguarding the well-being of communities and the planet, aligning with the mission of The Medical Society Consortium and other organizations dedicated to addressing the adverse health effects of climate change.
The Consortium has helped AMWA and other societies weigh in on EPA rollbacks, speak out in favor of policy responses to climate change that are beneficial to health, and provided materials and support for our members to make presentations to our colleagues and communities. There are also opportunities for those interested in advocating on this issue at the state level with physicians in other specialties.
Physicians are among the most trusted sources of information regarding the health consequences of climate change. We see the impact that is already harming Americans’ health in many ways – for example, increased illness and harm from heat waves, extreme weather events, water, food, and insect-borne diseases, wildfires, and increased air pollution.
Climate change is a health emergency. So this month, get involved. Take advantage of the resources provided by the Consortium with talking points that you can use in your practice. Read the report, The Medical Promise of Climate Solutions. Understand the different impacts of climate change on health in different regions of the country.
Learn about the work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Biden Administration’s efforts to reduce harmful pollutants and facilitate the transition to new, cleaner technologies.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we must make a difference.
