Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on Health and Healthcare: The Role of the Emergency Nurse Position Statement-Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change on Health and Healthcare: The Role of the Emergency Nurse Position Statement

Pdf Summary

Climate change is a pressing issue that is impacting communities worldwide. Its effects on human health and healthcare are significant and will continue to worsen if proactive action is not taken. The emergency nurse has an important role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change.<br /><br />Climate change is largely caused by human activity and is affecting various aspects of communities, including the economy, social systems, water quality, ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The healthcare sector itself contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Rising global temperatures are associated with more frequent and severe storms, intense heat, drought, worsening air quality, and changes in the distribution of pathogens. These changes in climate can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular events, mental health issues, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events.<br /><br />Emergency nurses can help mitigate the effects of climate change through advocacy, research, patient education, and community educational programs. They can promote nursing educational opportunities and research regarding the effects of climate change, provide evidence-based discharge education on climate change-related disaster readiness, lead initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact in healthcare facilities, and seek ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste. By educating patients and families on climate change and disaster readiness, emergency nurses can help them prepare for and mitigate the consequences of climate-related events.<br /><br />It is important for emergency nurses to increase their understanding of the health threats associated with climate change and to support policies related to climate change. By modeling sustainable practices, minimizing waste, and integrating environmental health into nursing, emergency nurses can contribute to the reduction of healthcare's carbon footprint. Climate change is a global public health problem, and emergency nurses have a vital role in addressing its impact on health and healthcare.

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Keywords

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