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We can use our superpower to help end fossil fuel pollution and rise to the challenge of climate change.

Edward W MaibachJohn KotcherLisa Patel
Published in: Journal of communication in healthcare (2024)
In this commentary, we argue that health professionals can play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of public policies that will help communities, nations, and the world end fossil fuel pollution and rise to the challenges of climate change. We briefly describe our previously published research showing that communicating about fossil fuel pollution and the health relevance of climate change has many benefits in building public support for climate action. Most importantly, we make the case that because health professionals, especially medical doctors and other clinicians, are highly trusted, we collectively have a unique opportunity to bring people together across the political continuum to have constructive dialogues about the intertwined problems of fossil fuel pollution and climate change and what to do about them - even in the current hyper-partisan environment.
Keyphrases
  • climate change
  • human health
  • heavy metals
  • healthcare
  • mental health
  • particulate matter
  • risk assessment
  • health risk assessment
  • public health
  • palliative care
  • emergency department
  • electronic health record
  • drug induced