AMA Policy Changes Identify Climate Change as Public Health Crisis

In a recent press release, the American Medical Association (AMA) made a stride in addressing the effects of climate change on human health by declaring climate change a public health crisis. The AMA announced a new policy that tackles the issue of climate change by implementing climate-conscious healthcare practices and increasing their participation in advocacy efforts. 

As the global climate crisis worsens, many healthcare providers and organizations have identified its negative impact on healthcare. In the United States alone, the price of healthcare costs attributed to climate change and fossil fuel use is nearly $820 billion annually or $2,500 per American. 

In 2021, the World Health Organization proclaimed that climate change was one of the biggest human health threats. Since then, multiple sources, including the CDC and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have corroborated this claim by highlighting how climate change will continue to impair overall health and well-being. 

The AMA’s approach considers that the impact of climate change on public health is multifaceted. To cover all aspects, the AMA’s new policy pinpoints many sectors of the climate crisis that they will attempt to address. The US Department of Health and Human Services cites extreme weather and rising temperatures, CO2 emissions, and sea levels as critical aspects that will increasingly affect human health.  

Among these, a warming climate has contributed significantly to the increase in heat-related deaths. The CDC states that an average of 658 people suffer from heat-related deaths and illnesses annually. The AMA’s new policy will promote efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C or less.  

In addition to addressing heat-related deaths and conditions, limiting climate change could also prevent declining air quality caused by air pollution associated with wildfires. Current air pollution has contributed to a rise in respiratory diseases and aggravated allergies.  

Furthermore, AMA advocacy efforts also include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonizing physician practices, and encouraging clean energy usage.  

Ultimately, climate change has left many populations vulnerable to respiratory ailments, mental health issues, and everything in between. As mentioned in the statement released by the AMA regarding the new policy, the impacts of the climate crisis will disproportionately affect marginalized communities.  

Similarly, the EPA acknowledges that, while climate change will have a universal impact on health, specific communities will be more susceptible to its adverse effects. The EPA identifies exposure, sensitivity, and the ability to adapt as the determinants of vulnerability. Lower-income populations are one group with an increased risk of exposure and a reduced ability to seek care for climate change-related symptoms. 

“Taking action now won’t reverse all of the harm done, but it will help prevent further damage to our planet and our patients’ health and well-being,” Ilse R. Levin, DO, MPH & TM, AMA board member, said in the press release.