Celebrating Australian nurses who are pioneering the response to climate change: a compilation of case studies

Abstract

Background: Nurses, the largest healthcare workforce, are well placed to provide leadership in initiatives that promote planetary health. Yet, few practical examples of nurse leadership in the health sector’s response to climate change are evident in the scholarly literature. Aim: The aim of this discussion paper is to profile Australian nurses who are leading initiatives designed to champion planetary health and promote sustainable practice. Methods: The paper presents a series of case studies derived from interviews conducted in October and November 2023. Findings: The nurses’ experiences and insights, along with the challenges they have encountered, are presented as evidence of Kouzes and Posner’s five practices of exemplary leadership. Conclusion: The case studies demonstrate that appointment of more nurses with climate and sustainability expertise will accelerate the implementation of responsive strategies that target waste management, emissions reduction and climate resilience across healthcare organisations.