Nursing’s Role in Climate Change

Why is climate change an issue for nurses? It is going to affect the health of the people we work with. It is a social justice issue because the negative effects of climate change are felt most acutely by those who contribute to it the least. We have the skills to make an impact in supporting people as they adapt to their changing climate. We are well placed to support efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

Overview The objectives of this class are to: –provide an overview of the science of climate change –identify links between climate change and health –define adaptation to and mitigation of climate change –explore nursing’s role in supporting adaptation and mitigation activities –begin to identify potential policy responses

Science of Climate Change

Climate change Climate change is not just an environmental issue, as too many people still believe. It is an all-encompassing threat. Kofi Annan, 2006 © World Health Organization

© Environment Canada: /understanding/greenhouse_gases/index_e.html

Changes in temperature, sea level and snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere since 1850 (reprinted from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007; used with permission).

© Environment Canada:

© Environment Canada:

Identify the Links between Health and the Environment

Impact of climate change on health In Canada: –temperature extremes – heat waves –extreme weather events and natural disasters –outdoor air quality worsens –increase in food and water-borne infections –increase in vector-borne and zoonotic diseases –stratospheric ozone depletion –social and economic impacts on community health and well-being Health Canada, 2005

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health (2005)

© World Health Organization

15 Deaths attributed to climate change NOW 154,000 per year Patz et al., 2005

Some regions are likely to be especially affected by climate change. -The Arctic, because of the impacts of high rates of projected warming on natural systems and human communities, -Africa, because of low adaptive capacity and projected climate change impacts, -Small islands, where there is high exposure of population and infrastructure to projected climate change impacts, -Asian and African megadeltas, due to large populations and high exposure to sea level rise, storm surges, and river flooding. From the Nobel Lecture given by Rajendra Pachauri, chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). December 10, 2007, Oslo.

Climate change and social justice © Greenpeace

Define Adaptation to and Mitigation of Climate Change

Adaptation to climate change Depends on: –Population density, level of economic development, food availability, income level and distribution, local environmental conditions, pre-existing health status, and the quality/availability of public health care “No regrets” responses address these issues without making climate change the determining factor in decision-making Planning for emergencies and heat waves

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health (2005)

Mitigation of climate change International agreements –Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer –Kyoto Protocol Turning the Corner –Imposes mandatory targets on industry to reduce production of GHGs in half by 2015 –Regulates fuel efficiency of cars and light-duty trucks beginning 2011 –Strengthens energy efficiency of products –Different from Kyoto in that base year is 2006, not 1990

Canada’s GHG Emissions Environment Canada, 2006

© Transport Canada:

© Environment Canada:

Nursing’s Role in Adaptation to and Mitigation of Climate Change

Examples of nursing roles Adaptation –Emergency planning/preparedness Involvement of nurses at all levels of government planning –Warning systems for heat waves Through public health department with nursing support –Protective technologies Sunscreen, air conditioning, urban planning, re-engineer water systems –Behaviour changes Caution in hot weather, consider the Air Quality Index (AQI) in outdoor activities, be aware of changes in patterns of disease

Examples of nursing roles cont’d Mitigation –Energy-efficient homes, appliances and automobiles List provided by World Wildlife Fund –Walking, cycling, transit to work Improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress as well as GHGs –Urban planning to decrease commutes Improves air quality and allows walking around community –Less travel for business Invest in video-conference facilities –Eating local foods etc.

Some policy debates Absolute cap on emissions versus reducing their intensity Carbon taxes to increase the costs of energy (and support reduced use) Leadership by developed world versus BAU (Business As Usual) until developing world signs on to targets

World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Activities to reduce GHG emissions At home: Switch to renewable energy. Eat local. Buy local. Adjust your thermostat. Buy energy-efficient appliances. Beyond your front door: Drive less. Don’t idle. At the office or at school: Not using it? Turn it off. Encourage others. For more tips, check the WWF website: Warming/takeaction.asp

Conclusions Climate change has an impact on health, particularly in the developing world. Nurses have a role in helping people adapt to their changing climate and reduce their GHG emissions. What is needed is to increase our awareness and identify where we can make an impact.

Courage my friends; ‘tis not too late to build a better world. Tommy Douglas © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health (2005)

© Canadian Nurses Association, 2008 Photos: Comstock; Corbis; Getty Images