Advocacy & Engagement
We can all take action in our homes, workplaces, and communities to help prepare for climate change impacts and reduce the pollution that causes it. These actions, in turn, can protect our health and provide us with a greater sense of security and self-efficacy. Ideas to get started today are below.
Climate Action Everyday
Since health voices are so powerful to motivate and engage people in climate action, you should engage your colleagues with ClimateRx.
Fill out the form here or email us at info@climaterx.org
​In order to meet the challenges of climate change we will need the collective impact of millions of people’s actions. You can motivate this action, starting with ClimateRx and the conversation starters here.
Try putting these in your own words to help people see how their actions can make a difference.
As you engage more, share opportunities to protect health through climate action. And don’t forget to vote and encourage others to vote! There is a spectrum of advocacy; you can make a difference whether you’re talking to friends and neighbors or directly to policy makers!
Advocacy for Health Professionals
Health professionals have a uniquely powerful role in engaging others and advocating for climate solutions. Advocacy can take many forms, start with where you're comfortable and continue to amplify your impact by bringing more people into the movement for climate solutions.
Start with people closest to you: your family, neighbors, community, and workplace.
​
-
Talk about climate solutions and their health benefits.
-
Learn about existing projects and help to strengthen them.
-
Share ClimateRx with health professional colleagues to bring more people to work on climate action.
​
Educate and engage appointed and elected officials on the need for systemic climate action.
​
-
Look for local opportunities to increase sustainability and resilience. As a health professional you can serve on commissions and help to lead immediate action.
-
Ask your local officials to commit to climate action and report regularly to the community. This could be more charging stations, better bike/bus infrastructure, or reduced reliance on fossil fuel energy.
-
Advocate for state and national solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in restoration and resilience for communities at risk.
Talking with policy makers can seem intimidating, but remember five key steps to make your engagement as productive as possible:
​
-
Start with people: Center your message about your audience's concerns and values, as well as the values and concerns that you share with them.
-
Make it real: Focus on local realities and tangible issues. Tell a story about how you or someone you know has experienced climate change's impacts on health.
-
Focus on solutions and personal benefits: Climate solutions reduce people's exposure to poor air quality, save money, and create new good jobs.
-
Inspire and empower: Emphasize that we can make a difference. Most Americans are concerned about climate change but might feel helpless or overwhelmed.
-
End with your ask: Encourage your audience to take act on climate with steps they can take that are meaningful, accessible, and relevant. ​
Connect with other advocates
There are powerful existing networks of climate advocates and organizations that can amplify and support your action. ClimateRx hosts a private, online community for ClimateRx participants to connect and collaborate. Connect with other health professionals, get access to events, and share new resources.
There are also several other organizations dedicated specifically to climate advocacy, including at the state level.
​
Find one that is a good fit for you:
Continuing Education
Advocacy and engagement also includes continuing your education about climate and health. The Climate Ambassador training is a free, self-paced, online training that equips health professionals with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and take action on climate change in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, communities and beyond.
​
The training is accredited for three units of continuing education. Upon completing this training you will be invited to a network of over 1,000 health professionals committed to climate solutions.
​