Climate Change: A Review of Potential Health Consequences

Abstract

Climate change results in increased levels of air pollution; airborne allergens; extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, prolonged heatwaves, increased precipitation or drought; expansion of the geographical area of many vector-borne infectious diseases; and even geopolitical instability. Nurses must be aware of the potential human health consequences associated with climate change and prepare to address the health risks of the clients they serve, especially those at increased risk, individuals with chronic health conditions, the young, elderly, disabled, and those living on the margins of society due to poverty or lack of access to health care. Nurses should be leaders in educating their communities regarding the health risks associated with climate change and lobbying for public health planning to address anticipated health consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]Copyright of Primary Health Care is the property of RNCi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)