Why Med Students Should be Heated Up about Climate Change

Michael A. Benusic

ABSTRACT

Future climate change is predicted to have a devastating effect on human health, with attributable morbidity and mortality already occurring. Climate-sensitive diseases such as malnutrition, diarrhea, vector-borne illnesses, and cardiovascular and respiratory disease are projected to increase, mainly in populations with an already high disease burden. Ironically, those who are most vulnerable are those who contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. As health care professionals we can serve a unique role in national and international climate change policy and reduce emissions by promoting lifestyle choices that co-benefit health.

KEYWORDS: climate change; environmental health; global health; climate-sensitive diseases

Full text (PDF, 401KB)

Benusic MA. Why Med Students Should be Heated Up about Climate Change. UBCMJ. 2013 4(2):25-27.