Climate change is a pressing issue that has far-reaching consequences, including impacts on human health. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, a fellowship led by two Harvard doctors, Dr. Gaurab Basu and Dr. Pedja Stojicic, has been established to train health care workers to take action on climate change. The fellowship, known as the Climate Health Organizing Fellows Program, aims to empower health professionals to advocate for climate action in their communities.
A survey published in the Lancet revealed that three-quarters of health professionals believe that climate change will harm patients. This concern is not unfounded, as climate change has been linked to various health issues such as heatwaves, air pollution, allergies, and infectious diseases. Health care workers, being among the most trusted professionals in the U.S., have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the health impacts of climate change and mobilize their communities for action.
Dr. Basu, one of the creators of the fellowship, emphasizes the importance of health professionals in advocating for climate action. He believes that health care workers have a responsibility to speak up about the structural issues that impact their patients’ health, including climate change. By leveraging their expertise and trustworthiness, health professionals can effectively communicate the science behind climate change and its implications for public health.
The Climate Health Organizing Fellows Program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to drive change in their communities. The fellowship, conducted via Zoom over six months, focuses on building teams, developing leadership structures, and planning and implementing community-oriented projects. Participants are guided through workshops on storytelling, community organizing, and power analysis to help them become effective change agents.
One of the key objectives of the fellowship is to address the barriers that prevent health care workers from engaging in climate action, such as burnout and isolation. By creating a supportive learning environment, the fellowship aims to inspire participants, foster a sense of community, and empower them to take action. Through storytelling exercises, participants are encouraged to reflect on their core values, connect with like-minded individuals, and find their place in the climate activism space.
The fellowship has already seen success stories, with participants initiating impactful projects in their communities. For example, a group of fellows from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center successfully lobbied their hospital to commit to decarbonizing and reducing emissions. Another group in Chicago is working on creating Miyawaki forests to increase tree canopies in urban heat islands, with a focus on equity and biodiversity. These projects demonstrate the potential of health professionals to drive meaningful change at the local level.
In addition to the tangible outcomes of the fellowship, participants have also reported personal and professional growth. Engaging in climate activism has not only enhanced their advocacy skills but also enriched their work as clinicians. By understanding the connections between climate change and health, health care workers are better equipped to communicate with patients and address environmental health issues in their practice.
Looking ahead, Dr. Basu hopes that the fellowship will continue to build a community of empowered health professionals who are committed to climate action. By helping participants find their voice, connect with like-minded individuals, and realize their potential as change agents, the fellowship aims to create a lasting impact on both individual participants and the broader health care community. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire and empower health professionals to advocate for policies and practices that protect both human health and the planet.