Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Challenges for Nursing Discipline

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Apr 28;20(9):5682. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20095682.

Abstract

Current data and scientific predictions about the consequences of climate change are accurate in suggesting disaster. Since 2019, climate change has become a threat to human health, and major consequences on health and health systems are already observed. Climate change is a central concern for the nursing discipline, even though nursing theorists' understanding of the environment has led to problematic gaps that impact the current context. Today, nursing discipline is facing new challenges. Nurses are strategically placed to respond to the impacts of climate change through their practice, research, and training in developing, implementing, and sustaining innovation towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is urgent for them to adapt their practice to this reality to become agents of change.

Keywords: climate change; disease prevention; environment; environmental health; health promotion; metaparadigm; nursing discipline; nursing interventions; planetary health; sustainability.

MeSH terms

  • Acclimatization
  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Climate Change*
  • Disasters*
  • Environmental Health / education
  • Humans

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.