Introduction
Regarding public health, the climate change situation is considered urgent, and its effects need to be reduced. Every community around the globe is impacted by global warming, which also includes increasing air pollution and altered weather patterns, among other factors causing global warming. The nursing profession can influence environmental policies to enhance healthcare services in the healthcare system. For instance, there is a great deal of worry over air pollution worldwide. It affects the people’s livelihood and their view of the weather and environment. This study examines the requirements and viewpoints of various groups and communities to comprehend environmental healthcare policies and their issues better.
Overview of the Policy Health Issue and Affected Population
The greatest threat to world health in the 21st century is climate change. Along with other artificial health and natural factors, climate change has various effects on human health and illness (Friel, 2019). According to Wang (2020), the significant factors that cause climate change are air pollution, allergens, wildfires, temperature extremes, precipitation extremes, and the motor industries. As a result, new health risks will appear, and some current health threats will become more serious. According to Friel (2019), not everyone is equally at the same level of experiencing the effects of climate change. The most significant factors considered include geography, financial resources, and age.
Every aspect of life is affected by the issue of climate change. Improved health outcomes impact the way individuals seek out medical treatment. Extreme weather conditions like thunderstorms and heat waves affect people from all socioeconomic levels, from adults to children. On the other side, those less fortunate in society suffer the most from the effects. The vulnerable members of the community, including children, newborn babies, pregnant women, individuals with a disability, and those with chronic illnesses, also get affected by adverse climate change conditions.
Several communities are said to be facing actual and imminent health issues since the risks are scientifically confirmed and not only theoretical. According to research, at least 85% of the world’s population has been subjected to weather occurrences that have gotten harsher due to climate change (Johnson & Lichtveld, 2017). On the evidence, researchers combined their study with an established data collection of temperature and precipitation fluctuations brought on by the usage of fossil fuels and other causes of carbon emissions.
The analysis included more than 100,000 examinations of phenomena that may be related to global warming (Johnson & Lichtveld, 2017). These combined results, which concentrated on heat waves, floods, and crop failures, allowed scientists to link human activities to the growing extremes conclusively. Johnson and Lichtveld (2017) concluded that 80% of the world’s land area had been impacted by climate change.
Problem Statement: Defining the Core Health Policy Challenge
In the United States, disruptions to biological, ecological, and physical systems originating from domestic and foreign can impact public health. The disturbances adversely affect people’s health in some ways, including water-borne diseases and other contagious illnesses, an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular disease, early weather-related injuries and deaths, and changes in the incidence. (Wang, 2020). Due to these unfavorable findings, numerous pertinent and active health groups have endorsed the Climate Action Now Act (CANA). The strategy makes sure that the administration upholds the tenets and objectives of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the government decided the best ways to achieve the goals and protect public health from the negative consequences of climate change.
Policy Change Recommendations and Required Steps for Reform
Taking prompt, thoughtful, and responsible action can preserve people’s safety and health. To promote public health, policymakers are taking action to reduce the consequences of climate change presently and in the future. Strong adaptation and readiness measures for climate-health issues can lower carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels, which release heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere (Wang, 2020). Instead of using vehicles and machines to get around, people should walk or ride bicycles. The proposal not only reduces emissions connected to driving but also promotes physical activity. By doing this, people may also be able to prevent issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Community hospitals are not abiding by federal laws and ozone layer standards, leading to increased emergency room visits and admissions. Due to these admissions, private and public insurance have been forced to pay much money in hospital expenditures (Wang, 2020). Due to the rise in environmental illnesses, patient insurance premiums have been rising. The demand for healthcare professionals, which might result in poor services, will increase along with the number of individuals seeking medical attention.
Key Stakeholders and Funding Considerations in Policy Development
Moreover, various parties are involved in a particular healthcare system, including the government, healthcare professionals, organizations, parents, regulatory bodies, and other concerned healthcare workers. Therefore, participation from these healthcare stakeholders will be crucial in educating the public about the harmful effects of climate change. Additionally, to help individuals reduce the total levels of environmental harm, they must develop solutions in collaboration with medical professionals and ensure strict adherence to the solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, climate change has a negative impact on human health. Government representatives and healthcare professionals should collaborate to create policies that will result in more peaceful resolutions. Consequently, the government must assess how well these tactics are working and, if necessary, make suggestions. Stakeholder leadership in policy development and change is essential for protecting the environment and public health.
References
Friel, S. (2019). Climate change, global justice, and health inequities. Climate Change and the People’s Health, 1–56.
Johnson, B. L., & Lichtveld, M. Y. (2017). Steps in environmental health policymaking. Environmental Policy and Public Health, 25–50.
Wang, J. (2020). Climate-smart health care: The power of health care action on air pollution and climate change. European Journal of Public Health, 30(Supplement_5).