10 Nursing, Health and Wellness

Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health–clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, and diarrhea, and heat stress.

Climate Change and Health – World Health Organization

A warmer planet impact the health of not only ecosystems, but the human (and non-human) residents on Earth. While a world-wide problem of incredible magnitude, it is also a local one and one that our students–as nurses and health professionals–will be directly involved. One has to look no farther than the air outside to see how the residents of our region are already being impacted by smoke, increased pollen, and other breathing irritants. Just as students learn about diet and exercise as influences on health, they must be aware of the impacts of climate change.

In the coming months, I will be posting examples of how faculty are incorporating this material in their courses.