\u201cWhen we talk with parents about what\u2019s good for their kids, part of our job is connecting the dots between our changing climate and their children\u2019s health,\u201d said Dr. Samantha Ahdoot, a pediatrician. \u201cAll children need exercise, nutritious food and stable communities to thrive. But climate change poses new challenges for our patients, from struggling to breathe due to wildfire smoke to flooded homes from extreme rainfall events to extreme heat. When we talk about the need to heal the planet, we are also talking about protecting our children\u2019s ability to grow up in a safe, healthy world.\u201d<\/p>\n
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which has long recognized the impact of climate change on children, recently announced a new strategic initiative on environmental health and disaster readiness as a priority outlined by its Board of Directors for 2024. The AAP is recommending steps not only for communities and policy makers, but for families. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, here are a few suggestions:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Help your community adopt climate solutions. The AAP recommends a transition away from fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal. Join forces with a local group to help bring clean energy to your school, town, state or even country. The AAP also recommends that communities incorporate healthy transportation systems, including public transit and walkable, bikeable pathways that allow children to be outdoors and active. Families can get involved at the local level to help create safe routes to walk and bike<\/a> where you live.<\/p>\n \u2022 Let kids know that their voices and advocacy can be powerful. Kids may be inspired to know that some of our most effective and powerful climate advocates today are children and youth. Support their engagement in local, state and national climate solutions.<\/p>\n \u2022 Reduce your own energy consumption and waste. Walking, biking, taking public transit, carpooling, and adopting a more plant-forward<\/a> diet are all ways to help promote health for kids and the planet.<\/p>\n \u2022 Show them you care. Let kids know that their adult caregivers\u2014parents and pediatricians included\u2014are committed to climate action solutions that protect their health and their world.<\/p>\n
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