About Climate for Health
Climate for Health is a national initiative led by a diverse network of health leaders
Climate for Health is a national initiative led by a diverse network of health leaders from across the health sector representing key health care, public health, clinical, and medical institutions and associations. Founded by ecoAmerica, Climate for Health offers tools, resources, and communications to demonstrate visible climate leadership, inspiring and empowering health leaders to speak about, act on and advocate for climate solutions. Climate for Health and its partners agree to this Vision, Principles and Commitment Statement for climate solutions, action, and advocacy.
Why Health and Climate
Climate change is affecting our health now, and health professionals have tremendous potential for leadership on climate solutions. The same pollution generated from burning fossil fuels also has direct impacts on human health. Rising temperatures influence air, food, and water quality, as well as the habitats for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. More frequent and severe storms are damaging people’s homes and communities, with mental health suffering immediately after these storms and more generally from a feeling of hopelessness. While climate change impacts all of us, low-income communities, children, the elderly, and those with existing illnesses are some of the most vulnerable. Americans are feeling the health impacts from climate change and trust health leaders for climate information: the time is now for health professionals across disciplines to work with their peers, patients, and policy makers for health people on a healthy planet
