About
Climate change is a global public health problem that requires immediate and large-scale action in order to prevent drastic worldwide health impacts. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities have caused approximately 1.0 degrees C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, and if anthropogenic emissions continue to increase at their current rate, global warming is likely to reach 1.5 degrees C between 2030 and 2052. We are already witnessing the health consequences of this warming: heat-related illness and death from extreme heat events; vector-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus; food insecurity and displacement from extreme weather events, wildfires, droughts, flooding and rising sea levels; worsening allergies and asthma from high pollen and air pollution; and even prematurity and low birthweight birth outcomes. According to the World Health Organization, more than 88% of the existing burden of disease attributable to climate change occurs in children younger than five years. Children are uniquely vulnerable to these effects due to their physiology and increased risk of environmental exposures.
Mission Statement
PA AAP's Climate & Environmental Health Committee is committed to addressing climate change and environmental health concerns--and their impact on the pediatric population--through education, advocacy and coalition-building.
Goals
The purpose of the Climate & Environmental Health Committee is: 1) to develop educational materials for PA AAP members on the impact of the climate crisis on child health; 2) advocate for climate change mitigation strategies within healthcare settings; 3) collaborate with community-based agencies to advance climate and environmental justice; and 4) advocate for policies at the municipal, state, and federal level focused on combating climate change and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Leadership
Meet the Climate & Environmental Health Committee Co-Chairs:
Gabriel Cisneros, MD, FAAP
Co-Chair |
Mark McShane, MD, FAAP
Co-Chair |
Membership |
Why Should I Join? |
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The Climate & Environmental Health Committee welcomes PA AAP members to contribute their expertise to the Chapter's efforts around climate advocacy and resource development. The Committee also welcomes non-PA AAP members representing community health and/or climate action groups to participate in the Committee as a community partner. Current community partners include PennEnvironment and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment.
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Pennsylvania plays a significant role in contributing to climate change. The state ranks fifth in the nation in total annual carbon emissions, mostly from combustion of fossil fuels and the release of methane from hydraulic fracturing. PA-based providers have the opportunity to educate their patients and families, policymakers and fellow practitioners on the scope of this issue, its impact on children's health and the steps we can take as a community.
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