Paediatricians and nurses can play a role in influencing the climate change debate especially with its impact on childrenThis editorial notes the public role that the UK Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has taken in lobbying the British Government to take action on climate change. It highlights the impact of climate change on the physical and psychological health of children.
The RCPCH estimates that the impact of climate change could cause an additional 250,000 children’s deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Climate change affects clean air, drinking water, food availability, and shelter. Global warming is expected to increase waterborne diseases and air-pollution-related diseases, to which children are particularly vulnerable. In addition, food allergies have seen a 338% increase in emergency admissions in the UK.
The article also points out that humans are increasing greenhouse gas emissions by consuming meat, feeding pets, and using plastic bags for diapers and dog excrement, which end up in landfills. In addition, other activities, such as biodiversity loss and the overuse of antibiotics, will also affect human health.
The RCPCH is hoping paediatricians can play a role in influencing the climate change debate and focus on its consequences on children and young people. It also advocates for nurses to become involved in similar lobbying efforts alongside their pediatrician counterparts.
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