Guidance for health professionals seeking climate action

Abstract

Climate change is a severe and growing threat to public health. Understandably, many health professionals are therefore committed to educating and advocating for better climate action. In this commentary I recommend concrete steps that health professionals can take to be more effective in these roles, highlighting policies and behaviours with the greatest benefits for both public health and the climate. These recommendations include advocating for government climate action that reduces airborne pollutants and car dependency, advising patients to adopt low-carbon diets and active transport while modeling those behaviors themselves, and cutting workplace emissions where possible. Though health professionals will continue to be called upon in helping communities adapt to climate change, they should also consider proactive strategies to preserve a habitable climate.