Amid rising concerns about the health impacts of climate change, medical students around the world are advocating for enhanced climate health education in their curricula.
Harvard Medical School implemented a climate change curriculum in 2022, driven by student advocacy.
Surveys show that students find the curriculum valuable for understanding climate-related health impacts.
Similar programs are emerging in medical schools worldwide to prepare future doctors for climate health challenges.
Key quote:
"This is not just about teaching climate change, but it’s about good medicine."
— Dr. Gaurab Basu, director of education and policy, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment
Why this matters:
Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and poor air quality are linked to a range of health problems, from respiratory issues to heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases. Medical students argue that understanding these connections is crucial for effective patient care and public health strategies.
