Erika Penz, MD, MSc, FRCPC
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
Climate change is arguably one of the most significant and universal concerns for humankind worldwide. It directly impacts the social and environmental determinants of health, including clean air, safe drinking water, and access to sufficient food and water. According to the WHO, it is estimated that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause over 250,000 additional deaths per year due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. The impact of climate change on individuals and nations is also not distributed equally, with the greatest and most severe impact affecting those most vulnerable. Ironically, the health care sector is a large source of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, estimated to contribute to 4.4% of net emissions globally, with a majority of these emissions related to the health care supply chain. In this session, we will highlight the impact of climate change on health, review the contribution to climate change from the system that is intended to improve health and review what role respiratory care plays in the climate crisis.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Discuss the impact of climate change on health overall;
- Appreciate the role that the health care sector plays in climate change; and
- Be aware of respiratory care-specific contributions to climate change and the potential for the respiratory community to contribute to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
CanMEDS Roles Addressed: Collaborator, Health Advocate, Leader
