By Abiha Jawahar
Climate change weakens immunity, heightens susceptibility to viruses, and prolongs recovery. Climate Change induced disruptions in natural ecosystems facilitate the emergence and spread of new viruses, further complicating recovery.
In this blog I delve into how nurses in Pakistan, regarded as the Green Health Heroes, are at the forefront of leading climate action to bolster health resilience. Initiatives taken with reference to climate action is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13), which mandates governments to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. SDG 13 specifically underscores the urgency of taking immediate action to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.
The World Health Organization identifies climate change as the foremost health threat of the 21st century which is increasingly affecting human health (Buriro et al., 2018). In regions with insufficient health infrastructure, primarily developing nations like Pakistan need support from the world to address climate-related health challenges. As poverty rates are high in such areas, vulnerability to climate change’s adverse effects increases.
Rising temperatures and worsening air quality increase viral infections and respiratory issues, making nurses’ essential care and support even more critical.
Abiha
The role of nurses as change agents is pivotal because they can help bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and human well-being. A concerning trend has recently emerged, i.e. viral infections and respiratory issues are taking longer to recover. This underscores the urgent need to address climate-induced health challenges and empower “Green Health Heroes” to lead the way.
Nurses serve as “Green Health Heroes” through their commitment to health promotion, illness prevention, and advocacy for sustainable practices. They play a crucial role in educating about climate-related health risks, such as respiratory issues, heat-related illnesses, and vector-borne diseases (Vicedo-Cabrera et al., 2021).
As temperatures rise, the prevalence and severity of viral infections are anticipated to escalate, with observed longer recovery times. Climate change worsens air quality, exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma, and COPD, where nurses provide essential care and support (Manisalidis et al., 2020).
Nurses are pivotal change agents, bridging the gap between environmental sustainability and human well-being.
Abiha
Research indicates that 3.6 billion people live in highly climate change-vulnerable areas, with an expected increase in annual deaths due to climate-related factors. In these areas, nurses can contribute to climate change and health research, offering evidence-based solutions. In many parts of the world, they already advocate laws that advance sustainability, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen defenses against climate-related calamities.
Rising temperatures and heat waves heighten risks of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations, where nurses deliver timely care. Climate change can shift the distribution of disease-carrying vectors, leading nurses to monitor and manage vector-borne illnesses.
As we strive for SDG 13 – Climate Action, nurses emerge as true “Green Health Heroes.” Through advocacy, clinical expertise, research, and personal commitment to sustainability, they lead the charge against climate change’s complex health challenges, including prolonged recovery from viral infections.
By embracing their roles as environmental stewards and patient advocates, nurses are paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all.
References
1. Buriro, N. A., Mureed, S., Kumar, R., Ahmed, F., Hussain, K., & Fatima, A. (2018). Nurses’ perception, knowledge, and information sources on climate change and health at Dow University Hospital Karachi. Journal of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, 17(04), 265-271.
2. Manisalidis, I., Stavropoulou, E., Stavropoulos, A., & Bezirtzoglou, E. (2020). Environmental and health impacts of air pollution: a review. Frontiers in public health, 8, 505570.
3. Vicedo-Cabrera, A. M., Scovronick, N., Sera, F., Royé, D., Schneider, R., Tobias, A., Astrom, C., Guo, Y., Honda, Y., & Hondula, D. (2021). The burden of heat-related mortality attributable to recent human-induced climate change. Nature Climate Change, 11(6), 492-500.
The contributor of this blog is an MSCN (Masters of Science in Nursing) scholar at the Aga Khan University. She is passionate about the intersection of health and the enviroment.
