Maureen George1, Jean-Marie Bruzzese2, Lea Ann Matura3. 1. Xi, Associate Professor, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA. 2. Associate Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology (in Nursing), Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA. 3. Beta Beta, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Greenhouse gases are driving climate change. This article explores the adverse health effects of climate change on a particularly vulnerable population: children and adults with respiratory conditions. APPROACH: This review provides a general overview of the effects of increasing temperatures, extreme weather, desertification, and flooding on asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and respiratory infections. We offer suggestions for future research to better understand climate change hazards, policies to support prevention and mitigation efforts targeting climate change, and clinical actions to reduce individual risk. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Climate change produces a number of changes to the natural and built environments that may potentially increase respiratory disease prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Nurses might consider focusing their research efforts on reducing the effects of greenhouse gases and in directing policy to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. Nurses can also continue to direct educational and clinical actions to reduce risks for all populations, but most importantly, for our most vulnerable groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While advancements have been made in understanding the impact of climate change on respiratory health, nurses can play an important role in reducing the deleterious effects of climate change. This will require a multipronged approach of research, policy, and clinical action.
PURPOSE: Greenhouse gases are driving climate change. This article explores the adverse health effects of climate change on a particularly vulnerable population: children and adults with respiratory conditions. APPROACH: This review provides a general overview of the effects of increasing temperatures, extreme weather, desertification, and flooding on asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and respiratory infections. We offer suggestions for future research to better understand climate change hazards, policies to support prevention and mitigation efforts targeting climate change, and clinical actions to reduce individual risk. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Climate change produces a number of changes to the natural and built environments that may potentially increase respiratory disease prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Nurses might consider focusing their research efforts on reducing the effects of greenhouse gases and in directing policy to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. Nurses can also continue to direct educational and clinical actions to reduce risks for all populations, but most importantly, for our most vulnerable groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While advancements have been made in understanding the impact of climate change on respiratory health, nurses can play an important role in reducing the deleterious effects of climate change. This will require a multipronged approach of research, policy, and clinical action.
Authors: Jessica Castner; Azita Amiri; Jeannie Rodriguez; Luz Huntington-Moskos; Lisa M Thompson; Shuang Zhao; Barbara Polivka Journal: Public Health Nurs Date: 2019-07-16 Impact factor: 1.462
Authors: Cristina Álvarez-García; Carmen Álvarez-Nieto; Janet Kelsey; Rachel Carter; Sebastián Sanz-Martos; Isabel M López-Medina Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-11-05 Impact factor: 3.390