Major medical organizations supporting action on climate change
Major medical organizations supporting action on climate change
Consider these recent statements issued by leading organizations from the health community:
American Medical Association:
The AMA encourages
physicians to be spokespersons for environmental stewardship, including
the discussion of these issues when appropriate with patients... and
encourages programs to prevent or reduce the human and environmental
health impact from global climate change and environmental degradation.
From AMA Policy H-135.973 Stewardship of the Environment
Physicians for Social Responsibility:
The need for mandatory controls on emissions of the heat-trapping gases that drive global warming is urgent.
American Public Health Association:
The APHA recommends
precautionary primary preventive measures to avert climate change,
including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions... supports the
adoption of legislative strategies that would minimize human impact on
climate change.
World Health Organization:
WHO
co-ordinates reviews of the scientific evidence on the links between
climate, climate change and health, including supporting the IPCC
assessment process. Based on these assessments, WHO considers that
rapid climate change poses substantial risks to human health,
particularly among the poorest populations. The organization therefore
supports actions to reduce human influence on the global climate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Nurses Association, and the American Lung Association:
Sent letters in late 2005 underscoring the importance of state policies to combat air pollution and global warming.
American Association of Family Practice:
In recognition of
the numerous and serious adverse health consequences resulting from
pollution, global warming and ozone layer depletion, the AAFP
recommends strong action on all public and private levels to limit and
correct the pollution of our land, atmosphere and water. (2005)
American College of Preventive Medicine:
The American
College of Preventive Medicine accepts the position that global warming
and climate change is occurring, that there is potential for abrupt
climate change, and that human practices that increase greenhouse gases
exacerbate the problem, and that the public health consequences may be
severe. Policy Number 2006-002 (C), February 24, 2006

