This module explores both the climate impact and vulnerability of healthcare systems and provides concrete examples of efforts to reduce carbon footprint and build resilience. You will first learn about the climate impact of healthcare systems, particularly focusing on their greenhouse gas contributions. We will consider changes some healthcare systems have made to reduce their carbon footprint. The second part of this module will discuss how stresses and disruptions from our changing climate threaten the functioning of healthcare systems. You will learn about how healthcare systems can collaborate with their local and state governments and community organizations to make communities safer and better prepared.

This module examines the intersection of climate change and health, emphasizing the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change on individuals within their communities. You will gain insights into the environmental determinants of health and the complex ways in which climate change amplifies health inequity. Then, you will be introduced to climate-informed clinical skills such as communicating environmental risks, developing adaptation and resilience strategies, and preparing for emergencies to optimize wellbeing in a shifting climate.

This module discusses how health professionals can expand their roles and influence as climate and equity-informed educators, organizers, researchers, advocates, and systems change agents. You will learn specific communication strategies and have opportunities to connect your own knowledge, skills, and values with key themes from this course. By reviewing examples of how health professionals have led systems-level and community efforts to mitigate, adapt to, or build resilience to climate change, you will learn why working together with others is essential to effective climate action.