Climate Change
The WSMA acknowledges that climate change is a critical public health
issue. (Res B-4, A-16) (Reaffirmed A-19)
The WSMA supports policies that both reduce pollution and address the
issues of climate change and that will promote healthier, sustainable
communities. (Res B-4, A-16) (Reaffirmed A-19)
The WSMA acknowledges that:
- Climate change is a critical public health issue.
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Potential effects of climate change on human health include higher rates
of respiratory and heat-related illness, increased prevalence of
vector-borne and waterborne diseases, food and water insecurity, and
malnutrition. Persons who are elderly, sick, or poor are especially
vulnerable to these potential consequences.
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We support educating the medical community on the potential adverse
public health effects of global climate change and incorporating the
health implications of climate change into the spectrum of medical
education, including topics such as population displacement, heat waves
and drought, flooding, infectious and vector-borne diseases, and potable
water supplies.
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We recognize the importance of physician involvement in policymaking at
the state, national, and global level and support efforts to search for
novel, comprehensive, and economically sensitive approaches to
mitigating climate change to protect the health of the public; and
recognize that whatever the etiology of global climate change,
policymakers should work to reduce human contributions to such changes.
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We encourage physicians to adopt programs for environmental
sustainability in their practices, share these concepts with their
patients and their communities. and to serve as role models for
promoting environmental sustainability.
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We encourage physicians to work with local and state health departments
to strengthen the public health infrastructure to ensure that the global
health effects of climate change can be anticipated and responded to
more efficiently.
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We support epidemiological, translational, clinical and basic science
research necessary for evidence-based global climate change policy
decisions related to health care and treatment.
(Res B-4, A-19)
The WSMA supports legislative efforts to create a low-carbon fuel standard
for Washington state that benefits communities most impacted by air
pollution and climate change and support other efforts to reduce pollution
from transportation. (Res B-14, A-19)
Return to the WSMA Policy Compendium index
Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services