Should ‘Climate Change’ Change Health Promoters? Lessons for the Developing World

Abstract

The threat posed by climate change to global public health is evident and appalling, and its impact is felt on physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of individuals and populations. Evidence on the unusually changing weather conditions and patterns is clear and difficult to ignore.

This paper debates a changing global climate. The paper subsequently attempts to discuss the impact of climate change on global health, with examples. Then, the paper argues in favour of ‘thinking globally and acting locally’ as a way to enhance community health. Subsequently, the implications of a globally changing climate for health promotion practice, especially in the developing world are discussed.

The changing global climate is well supported by empirical evidence, and poses huge threat to public health. Health promotion researchers and practitioners have a crucial role to play towards climate change mitigation and adaptation to secure the health of current population and posterity.

Keywords: Climate change, health promotion, global.