Global Medical Action on Climate Change

Description

Perhaps more than any other public health issue, speaking out on climate change most often prompts the “stay in your lane” response from critics of the AMA’s position. While climate change is well understood in the common parlance as an environmental, economic, social and even geopolitical issue, framing it as a health risk is relatively new territory for much of the general public. Yet ongoing and dedicated work by health and medical advocacy groups is increasingly bringing this to light.

The AMA’s policy on climate change was first released in 2004, and has grown to become a top advocacy priority. In 2019, our declaration of climate change as a health emergency prompted significant discussion in the media and our membership about the AMA’s stance. Since then, we have followed up with a formal partnership with Doctors for the Environment and public support for a net zero by 2050 emissions reduction target, on health grounds.

This recording of the AMA Online National Conference Day 3 session discusses the role of medical organisations in advocating for more ambitious action on climate change.

1. Why is it important that our voices are heard, and how can we best contribute to the discussion?
2. What role do doctors have in what must necessarily be a multi-sector and society-wide response?

Local and international speakers discuss how medical organisations have responded globally and where we can go from here.

 

Learning Outcomes

1. Name ways doctors can influence climate change 
2. Name the role of medical organisations in advocating for more ambitious action on climate change.

This session has been accredited by ACRRM for 2 hours PDP.