The Irish Doctors for the Environment (IDE) have joined medical professionals from across the Nordic region in issuing a stark warning about the dangers of climate change, declaring that “the climate crisis is a health crisis.” The joint statement, made in collaboration with the Nordic Doctors for Planetary Health and Climate Action, calls for urgent measures to protect public health from the escalating effects of global warming. It was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.
According to the statement, the medical professionals emphasise that climate change is already exacerbating existing health issues, increasing the spread of infectious diseases, worsening respiratory conditions due to air pollution, and contributing to mental health problems. “The health sector must take a leadership role in addressing climate change,” the statement asserts, highlighting the need for rapid policy action to mitigate environmental damage.
The doctors also stress the need for governments to transition away from fossil fuels, citing the health benefits of cleaner energy. “Reducing emissions will not only slow climate change but also lead to immediate health improvements, including lower rates of heart disease and respiratory illness,” they argue.
In addition, the statement calls for increased investment in sustainable food systems, active transport, and policies that prioritise both human and planetary health. “A healthy planet is the foundation of a healthy population,” the doctors warn, urging policymakers to act decisively.
The joint statement comes amid growing concern within the medical community about the link between environmental degradation and public health crises. The IDE, along with its Nordic colleagues, are urging healthcare professionals worldwide to advocate for urgent climate action as a matter of public health policy.
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