The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is dedicated to ensuring that children have an
optimal environment in which to live, learn, and play. It's no wonder, then, that the AAP is a proponent of the EPA's Clean Power Plan and urges states across the country to set their paths to reduce carbon emissions. The AAP believes that state legislatures and regulatory agencies can help meet carbon emission reduction targets by implementing this plan. While pediatricians have day-to-day responsibilities within their practices, they can also serve a strong role outside of the office. As the AAP fact sheet below so clearly states:
"Pediatricians should understand the threat of global climate change, anticipate their effects on children's health, and participate as children's advocates for strong mitigation and adaptation strategies now."
Working on climate solutions by helping to implement the EPA Clean Power Plan is an important child advocacy objective. Get involved today.
Child Health and State EPA Clean Power Plan Implementation
American Academy of Pediatrics
Released in December 2015
Overview
Outdoor air pollution is linked to respiratory problems in children, including decreased lung function, coughing, wheezing, more frequent respiratory illness, and asthma exacerbation. In 1970, Congress passed the federal Clean Air Act to address these and other concerns about America’s worsening air quality.
The Clean Air Act is now being extended to reduce carbon emissions from power plants, with final
rulemaking underway. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Power Plan seeks to allow
states to meet carbon reduction targets via 1 or more state-determined compliance strategies.
These actions are essential to limit immediate impacts on child respiratory health and in curtailing
global climate change.
