Advocating for planetary health is an essential part of advocating for children’s health

Abstract

Burning of fossil fuels along with deforestation and ecological disruption have led to the warming of the Earth and climate change. Children are especially vulnerable to adverse health effects of climate change associated changes in the air, soil, and water as their organs are still developing, have a faster breathing rate, higher per pound ingested and inhaled exposures, and greater relative body surface area. To protect this vulnerable population, health care professionals need to play a leading role. In 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their original 2007 Global Climate Change and Children’s Health policy statement (again updated in 2024) stating that, “failure to take prompt, substantive action would be an act of injustice to all children.” Health care professionals need to educate themselves and their patients of the health risks posed by climate change and incorporate climate change counseling into their practice. They also need to go beyond the framework of the healthcare system and work collaboratively with communities, corporations, and governments to advocate for policies and solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The health and wellbeing of future generations rests upon the actions we take today.

Impact

• Summarizes the adverse effects of increased anthropogenic activity and burning of fossil fuels on planetary and human health
• Details the increased vulnerability of children to environmental assaults and their long-term effects
• Provides guidance and resources to health care professionals to empower them to act as advocates for systemic and structural changes that protect children’s health.