In this article, originally shared via the Climate and Health Alliance in Australia, the CAHA are delighted to launch their new communications guide for health professionals, Real, Urgent and Now: Communicating the Health Impacts of Climate Change.
“Real, Urgent and Now: Communicating the Health Impacts of Climate Change”
Health professionals know that effective communication is one of the most powerful tools they can use to protect public health. Thus, effectively communicating climate change from a health perspective is of the utmost importance, given it is the biggest health threat – and health opportunity – of the century.
This guide is designed to support health professionals to:
- Speak with confidence about climate change and its health impacts with patients, clients, colleagues and communities
- Join a growing cohort of health professionals who recognise their unique authority and responsibility to talk about climate change and health
- Take a leadership role in encouraging health services, clinics, hospitals, offices, and other health care facilities to be as environmentally sustainable as possible
- Promote actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer health co-benefits, like walking, riding or using public transport instead of driving cars; shifting to a healthier, plant-based diet; or switching to renewable energy
- Reduce their personal carbon footprint
- Advocate for climate action within personal, professional and community spheres
This guide was produced as part of our two year Real, Urgent and Now project funded by the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation.
Download the Guide
The guide can be access at www.caha.org.au/communicate.
Marissa Daniels is a paediatric intensive care medicine trainee, yAFMW co-Chair and past Treasurer for AFMW.
