Abstract
Climate change, possibly the gravest threat facing humanity, is already taking a toll on people’s physical and mental health. The climate crisis is the single greatest public health challenge of the 21st century. These climate-related risks are particularly acute for marginalized people around the world. While no one is immune to the health impacts of the climate crisis, those who suffer most live at racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disadvantage. Climate change multiplies inequities in access and quality of care for the most vulnerable communities. While health care systems shoulder the burden of caring for individuals, especially vulnerable communities affected by climate change, they also contribute to the problem. Healthcare is a significant contributor to climate change and is also responsible for managing the adverse impact of climate change on health. It contributes 8.5% of US emissions and worldwide it is responsible for as much as 5 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Aside from a tremendous emissions footprint health care remains one of the largest waste-producing sectors. Hospital patients in the United States generate about 33.8 pounds of waste each day, which leads to about 6 million tons of waste annually.
Presenters
Elizabeth JosephAPRN-BC, MPH- Nurse Educator, Jackson Health System Climate Committee, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Health, Florida, USA, Sustainability, Climate Change
