The journal of climate change and health最新文献

Background

The aim of this study was to estimate the embodied carbon of different formulations of paracetamol, its packaging and the consumables used in administration within pediatrics.

Methods

A set dose of 750 mg was chosen to represent complex dosing seen in pediatrics and then two separate approaches to measuring the embodied carbon were taken. A top-down environmentally extended input-output analysis for the drug and a bottom-up approach using the emissions factors for the primary material was used for the packaging and consumables.

Results

All oral methods of administration have the lowest embodied carbon when accounting for the drugs, consumables, and packaging.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates how working across disciplines we can look for ways in which we can minimize the carbon cost of care. This study finds that when accounting for patient safety, acceptability within pediatrics and the embodied carbon, all non-IV methods are preferable.

Climate literacy assesses general understanding of climate, climate change, and its effects on the environment as well as human health. Despite vast scientific evidence to support climate change and its associated consequences, particularly with regards to vector-borne diseases, climate change knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among the general population is relatively poor. In this study, we conducted a thorough review of the current literature to evaluate the scope of global climate and health literacy studies and identify key areas for improvement. We found that very few climate and health literacy studies were based in low- and middle-income countries, and those that were did not make mention of significant regional climate change impacts and specifically those that increase mosquito-borne disease transmission in high-risk areas. We also noted that of the twenty-three studies included in our final review, most focused their assessments on general climate and climate change knowledge, and not on literacy of the relationships between climate change and environmental impacts or subsequent health outcomes. Our findings make it clear that moving forward, there is a major need for climate and health literacy research to expand upon existing climate literature to include additional assessments of the relationships between certain climate change impacts and infectious diseases in particular, as well as to make available a more comprehensive overview of climate and health information to the public in the future.

Climate change represents a significant global health crisis, characterized by a complex interplay of environmental shifts and interconnected phenomena. These alterations have given rise to a multitude of health implications, notably impacting ocular health. Our comprehensive review delineates a spectrum of eye conditions associated with climate change-related variables. Extremes in temperature and weather events have been observed to affect the ocular surface, resulting in an increased incidence of conjunctivitis, keratitis, dry eye disease, and pterygium. Furthermore, climate change is linked to a rising occurrence of cataracts, glaucoma, periocular tumors, and infections. Prolonged food insecurity, stemming from droughts, has been associated with nutritional optic neuropathies and consequent vision loss. Elevated temperatures have also been correlated with a heightened risk of retinal detachments necessitating urgent surgical intervention to enhance prognostic outcomes.

This review also outlines the influence of climate-warming pollutants on a diverse array of eye conditions, manifesting as ocular surface infections, degenerative changes like pterygium, cataracts, refractive errors (myopia), blepharitis, meibomian gland infections, glaucoma, and vascular retinal occlusions.

Mitigating the effects of climate change is an urgent global imperative necessitating collaborative efforts, encompassing research and education, to devise sustainable solutions that safeguard human health and well-being. This review seeks to delineate the current extent of available research, identify gaps in the existing literature, and chart the course for future studies in this intriguing association.

Introduction

Climate change is a global phenomenon with far-reaching consequences, and its impact on human health is a growing concern. The intricate interplay of various factors makes it challenging to accurately predict and understand the implications of climate change on human well-being. Conventional methodologies have limitations in comprehensively addressing the complexity and nonlinearity inherent in the relationships between climate change and health outcomes.

Objectives

The primary objective of this paper is to develop a robust theoretical framework that can effectively analyze and interpret the intricate web of variables influencing the human health impacts of climate change. By doing so, we aim to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches and provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships involved. Furthermore, we seek to explore practical applications of this theoretical framework to enhance our ability to predict, mitigate, and adapt to the diverse health challenges posed by a changing climate.

Methods

Addressing the challenges outlined in the objectives, this study introduces the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) framework, acknowledging its significance in capturing the nuanced dynamics of health effects linked to climate change. The research utilizes a blend of field observations, expert interviews, key informant interviews, and an extensive literature review to shape the development of the CAS framework.

Results and discussion

The proposed CAS framework categorizes findings into six key sub-systems: ecological services, extreme weather, infectious diseases, food security, disaster risk management, and clinical public health. The study employs agent-based modeling, using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) tailored for each CAS sub-system. A set of identified variables is incorporated into predictive modeling to enhance the understanding of health outcomes within the CAS framework. Through a combination of theoretical development and practical application, this paper aspires to contribute valuable insights to the interdisciplinary field of climate change and health. Integrating agent-based modeling and CLDs enhances the predictive capabilities required for effective health outcome analysis in the context of climate change.

Conclusion

This paper serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and public health professionals by employing a CAS framework to understand and assess the complex network of health impacts associated with climate change. It offers insights into effective strategies for safeguarding human health amidst current and future climate challenges.

Introduction

The nexus between carbon footprints and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression have not been clarified, so it has not been possible to examine the prevention of disease severity as a potential countermeasure for decarbonization.

Material and methods

The study included 70,627 subjects aged 40–74 years and diagnosed with CKD stage by specific health checkups in 2014–2015. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Japan were formulated with the 2015 environmental input–output model. The carbon footprints by CKD stage were calculated with annual treatment cost according to renal function indicators, namely estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria.

Results

The annual carbon footprint per patient with induction of dialysis due to CKD was estimated to be 3.9 tCO₂e, in contrast to 0.31 tCO₂e in subjects without dialysis. Highlighting the relationship between the carbon footprint and the slope of eGFR as the CKD stage advances, the carbon footprint of care for patients with a stable eGFR in CKD stage G2 or better was 300 kgCO₂e in males and 280 kgCO₂e in females. Yet, in CKD stages G3a and G3b or worse, the carbon footprint for a rapid decrease in eGFR (30 % or greater per year) was 620 kgCO₂e and 1440 kgCO₂e in males and 430 kgCO₂e and 1270 kgCO₂e in females, respectively.

Conclusion

Effective interventional treatments to prevent disease severity in CKD contribute to both the health of the patient and the mitigation of GHG emissions.

Introduction

Despite the potential of school-based programs targeting climate awareness and action to support students in addressing the climate crisis and to improve their mental health and well-being, there is limited evidence for their effectiveness. In preparation for a cluster-randomized controlled trial, we assessed the feasibility of evaluating the Public Climate School (PCS), a one-week school program in Germany, and its effects on theory-based behavioral and psychological outcomes.

Material and methods

We enrolled 158 students from 11 classes (grades 7–13) into a cluster-controlled pilot study. Four classes were allocated to the waitlist control group and 7 to the intervention group participating in the PCS in November 2021. Using online surveys, we assessed theory-based behavioral and psychological outcomes at baseline and follow-up. Two-level models were used to investigate changes in outcomes.

Results

125 students completed the baseline and follow-up survey (dropout rate: 21 %). For most outcomes we observed no between-group differences, except for pro-environmental communication and engagement (e.g., posting on social media; p=.040) and perceptions of environmental norms (p=.001) in the anticipated direction.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the feasibility of evaluating the PCS and provides parameter estimates to guide sample size calculations and study design decisions for future research. Together with recent work on the association between collective action and mental health, the effect of the PCS on pro-environmental communication and engagement highlights the value of examining effects of education for sustainable development programs on student health and linking them to collective action in future work.

Background

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to human and planetary health. As trusted sources, health professionals have a unique opportunity to help protect society from the impacts of climate change by educating key publics including policymakers about solutions to climate change, as well as reducing their sector's contribution to climate change by promoting sustainable practices in the workplace. Developing methods to activate health professionals as climate educators and advocates is an important step in activating this opportunity. Drawing on the practice of behavioral journalism, this study tests the effectiveness of role model stories at increasing attitudinal and behavioral engagement of health professionals with sustainability.

Methods

Participants in this study (n = 39) were employees of a network of U.S. hospitals and urgent care centers that were subscribed to a sustainability e-newsletter published by the healthcare system. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group that only received the regular newsletter, or a treatment group that received an additional series of emails featuring stories about sustainability role models in their healthcare system.

Results

We found that receiving the role model stories increased participant's belief that health professionals have a responsibility to support sustainability efforts and their willingness to receive more information about joining a climate and health advocacy organization, although there were no between-group differences on other dependent variables.

Conclusion

This study although limited by a small sample size provides evidence that role model stories can play a role in activating healthcare professionals to participate in sustainability initiatives and advocate for climate and health solutions.

Background

Climate change threatens human existence and is caused by increasing carbon emissions. Healthcare systems generate about 5% of global net CO2 emissions, further contributing to the crisis. Green healthcare practices could be implemented and nurses, as the largest workforce group, could potentially drive these practices. This review explored nurses’ awareness, perceptions, attitudes and perspectives towards sustainable nursing and healthcare practices concerning climate change.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] methodology for conducting mixed methods systematic reviews was applied and results were reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses [PRISMA] guidelines. CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and PUBMED databases were searched. JBI and Mixed Method Appraisal Tool [MMAT] critical appraisal tools were used for the data appraisal. Data synthesis and integration followed the JBI convergent integrated approach and thematic analysis was performed. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8H3TC.

Findings

Eighteen papers were included that represented nine different countries across five continents. One study was found in Africa, no studies in South America, and three in Asia. Five key themes were identified: i) knowledge and awareness of climate change, ii) link between nursing and climate change, iii) environmental sustainability, iv) barriers to environmentally responsible healthcare, and v) routes to environmentally sustainable nursing practices.

Interpretation

The review indicates the need to raise awareness regarding climate change and sustainable practices among nurses. It is vital policy makers, and healthcare leaders ensure criteria relating to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction are included in decisions about procurement and service delivery. Nurses’ engagement could drive forward a net-zero agenda.