June 19, 2017

As leading public health, patient advocacy, nursing and medical organizations, we reiterate our longstanding commitment to addressing climate change as a public health issue. The statement below articulates our consensus on the health impacts of climate change and the need for action to protect the public’s health.

• The health impacts of climate change demand immediate action.
• The science is clear; communities across the nation are experiencing the health impacts of climate change, including:
  • Elevated ozone and particulate air pollution, linked to asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease and premature death;
  • Extreme weather patterns, such as heat and severe storms that cause droughts, wildfires and flooding that destabilize communities, especially those least equipped to defend themselves; and
  • Increased vector-borne diseases by expanding seasons and geographic ranges for ticks, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects to roam.
• The most vulnerable – children, seniors, low-income communities, some communities of color, and those with chronic disease – disproportionately bear the health impacts of climate change.
• Bold action is needed to address climate change by cleaning up major sources of carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases, including power plants, cars, trucks and other mobile sources.
• Communities must have the tools and resources to adapt to and mitigate the unique impacts of climate change in their communities.
• We call on President Trump, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, and members of Congress to heed the clear scientific evidence and take steps now to reduce pollution that drives climate change and harms health.
• The public health, disease advocacy and medical community are united in our efforts to protect the public from the risks of climate change.

Signed

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Allergy & Asthma Network
Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
American Academy of Pediatrics
American College of Physicians
American College of Preventive Medicine
American Lung Association
American Public Health Association
American Thoracic Society
Children’s Environmental Health Network
Health Care Without Harm
National Association of County & City Health Officials
National Environmental Health Association
National Medical Association
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Public Health Institute
Trust for America’s Health
US Climate and Health Alliance