Educate
Foster Climate Change-informed medical care
Work to Decarbonize NY’s Healthcare System
Inspire and develop new climate advocates
Create a healthier future for the children and families of NY State
Courtesy of the author, Wakodahatchee Wetlands Park, Delray Beach, Florida, January 2020
The AAP has a wealth of information about the effects of climate change on children and vulnerable populations. The site also has links to EPA fact sheets.
“Environmental exposures can have lifelong impacts on children’s health and development. The mission of NYS CEHC (or “NYSCHECK”) is to prevent, diagnose, and treat environmentally related conditions for families across New York State. As the first state-based model for pediatric environmental health services in the country, New York now has dedicated pediatric champions across the state working together to protect and promote children’s health and the environment.” Everyone should know about this resource. There is much here about environmental health and issues relevant to climate change.
“The Region 2 Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) is one of 10 regional federally funded clinical and educational centers. The mission of the PEHSU is to provide clinical consultation and education to families, health care professionals, public health officials, and community organizations who have concerns regarding environmental exposures in children and pregnant women. The Region 2 PEHSU is located in New York City at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and serves New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is a member of a national network of PEHSUs.
The AAP’s Council On Environmental Health (COEH) Chairperson Dr. Aparna Bole recorded a 15-minute podcast with Radio MD for AAP regarding talking with kids about climate change. This is worth your time and will help open the conversation about climate change and the environment.
EcoWatch is a leading environmental news site engaging millions of concerned individuals every month. They are self-described advocates for the health and longevity of the planet, and there are a variety of free subscription options on the site. Recommended reading.
A great free email newsletter that concentrates on environmental health and climate change issues.
Self described as a “Pulitzer Prize-winning, non-profit, non-partisan news organization dedicated to covering climate change, energy and the environment.”
A newsletter from C-Change: The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that is a source for encouragement, tips, and plans to engage people in climate change work, initiatives and advocacy. The Center is headed by former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy (and now head of the National Resources Defense Council) and co-director Dr. Aaron Bernstein. Bookmark the Center’s website.
Follow the activities of the US House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. News, taped hearings, press releases, and live streams from the meetings.
An excellent article by Dr. Susan Pacheco, climate activist and pediatrician, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in January of 2020.
An important organization and website that aims to involve physicians in the conversation about climate change to influence public policy and improve public health at the local, state, national, and global level. There are webinars and CME online with reports and other articles on climate issues. There are opportunities for physicians to enlist as a climate change advocate. The American Academy of Pediatrics is a component organization.