Climate
change could impact human health in various ways as the ecology of our planet
changes. Environmental changes such as increased heat waves, sea-level rise,
and increased drought around the globe will aggravate already-existing health
problems, increase the onset of new health problems, and, in some cases, cause
premature death. Catastrophic events associated with these environmental
changes, such as floods, and increases in hospital and routine clinic visits
will have nurses on the front lines tending to those in need. Climate change is
a potential public health matter, and the importance of nurses to be educated
and engaged cannot be overemphasized. Nurses can be instrumental in communications
with patients and families, working with their hospitals and health systems to
reduce emissions and influencing the adoption of strategies to better prepare
our health care facilities and our communities for the health impacts of
climate change.
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