Research Guides: Nursing: Climate Change

Climate Change Impact on Health

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Poor air quality and extreme temperatures worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Extreme Weather Events: Heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes cause injuries, deaths, and mental health issues.
Infectious Diseases: Changes in temperature and precipitation affect the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Food and Water Security: Climate change impacts food and water availability and quality, leading to malnutrition and waterborne diseases.

Nurses play a crucial role in addressing the health impacts of climate change:

Patient Care: Managing health conditions worsened by climate change, such as heat-related illnesses and respiratory issues.
Education: Informing patients and communities about climate-related health risks and prevention strategies.
Advocacy: Supporting policies that address climate change and promote public health.
Research: Contributing to research on the health impacts of climate change and developing effective interventions.

CDC: Effects of Climate Change on Health - This page provides detailed information on how climate change impacts various health conditions and public health.
WHO: Climate Change and Health - The World Health Organization's fact sheet on climate change and its effects on global health.
Commonwealth Fund: Climate Change & Health Care Services - An overview of how climate change affects healthcare systems and services.
NurseJournal.org: The Role of Nursing in Climate Change and Public Health - Insights into how nurses can address the health impacts of climate change.
American Nurses Association: Nurses’ Role in Addressing Climate Change - The ANA's position statement on the role of nurses in mitigating and adapting to climate change