Issues at intersection of climate change and health impact global ...(arming. That debate is largely over alth...)

Date:11/18/2008

arming. That debate is largely over, although the inherent complexities of climate system science and various uncertainties over details remain. A corollary question whether climate change would have implications for public health also has been settled. The answer is yes. A range of possible effects has been identified, some now fairly well understood and others yet unclear. Public health and preventive medicine, as applied disciplines, share a common mission: to prevent illness, injury and premature mortality, and to promote health and well-being. This mission therefore carries a mandate to address climate change. Fortunately, the basic concepts and tools of public health and preventive medicine provide a sound basis for addressing climate changeClimate change, an environmental health hazard of unprecedented scale and complexity, necessitates health professionals developing new ways of thinking, communicating, and acting. With regard to thinking, it requires addressing a far longer time frame than has been customary in health planning and it needs a systems approach that extends well beyond the current boundaries of the health sciences and the formal health sector. Communicating about the risks posed by climate change requires messages that motivate constructive engagement and support wise policy choices, rather than engendering indifference, fear, or despair. Actions that address climate change should offer a range of health, environmental, economic and social benefits. The questions at present, then, are not so much whether or why, but what and how? What do we do to prevent injury, illness and suffering related to climate change, and how do we do it most effectively?"

This issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine offers a range of articles by a group of experts who helps answer these questions. Meanwhile, there also remains for health researchers the extremely important task of assisting society in understanding the current and futur
'/>"/>

Contact: AJPM Editorial Office eAJPM@ucsd.edu 858-457-7292 Elsevier Health Sciences Source:Eurekalert

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related biology news :

1. UD researchers show that plants can accumulate nanoparticles in tissues
2. Human genes sing different tunes in different tissues
3. Carbon sinks: Issues, markets, policy
4. IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis in Bangkok to address Asian issues
5. New planning grants to fund research on freshwater issues
6. BIO-key(R) Issues Open Letter to Shareholders
7. Dioxin risk in soil and plant tissues after long-term biosolids application
8. Origin of cells for connective tissues of skull and face challenged
9. Experts tackle shipment issues for beneficial radiation sources
10. Expanded histology methods book covers processing of animal, plant, and microbial tissues
11. At ACS national meeting, global initiative set to tackle water issues