Amid rising concerns about the health impacts of climate change, medical students around the world are advocating for enhanced climate health education in their curricula.
Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Harvard Medical School implemented a climate change curriculum in 2022, driven by student advocacy.
- Surveys show that students find the curriculum valuable for understanding climate-related health impacts.
- Similar programs are emerging in medical schools worldwide to prepare future doctors for climate health challenges.
Key quote:
"This is not just about teaching climate change, but it’s about good medicine."
— Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment
Why this matters:
Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and poor air quality are linked to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases. Medical students argue that understanding these connections is crucial for effective patient care and public health strategies.
