Climate Change and Environmental concerns continue to worsen, research overtime has demonstrated the health impacts of global warming and most agree that the longer we take to lower emissions the more suffering will occur. In fact, the World Health Organization believes one quarter of global disease could be prevented through healthier environments. Access to safe and clean drinking water, clean air, adequate sanitation, safer chemicals, healthy workplaces, stable climate and sustainable living environments and agriculture practices all contribute to good health.
Nurses are well respected by the public and positioned to assist with key areas of climate change and healthy environments: mitigation, adaptation, education and leadership. Yet many nurses have limited knowledge on the topic and without this expertise, do not engage, take action or consider themselves as frontline sources of information to address the climate crisis impacting our communities and our environment. More than ever, nurses should have the information to respond to questions about climate change and the environment so that the public can take steps to improve their health and evidenced based practice can be promoted and implemented by nurses.
The Climate Change and Health Workgroup, a project of the Arizona Nurses Association, will work to increase the core knowledge and competency of Arizona nurses regarding climate change and health through education and awareness.
If you would like to participate in this workgroup, please fill out the information below.
