Yes, why not!! That’s why Harvard climate change and health expert, Dr. Renee Salas, an authority in the fields of climate change and health who is renowned internationally, will deliver the Johnston Lecture, which is held annually by the School of Journalism and Communication on April 5th. During her presentation titled “Climate Action as a Powerful Prescription to Improve Health and Equity,” she will provide members of the audience with a deeper awareness of the health implications of climate change as well as what they can do to make a difference in the world.
Every facet of our day-to-day lives is in jeopardy because of climate change, including our health and the healthcare systems on which we rely. Regrettably, the most vulnerable groups across the planet are enduring the most severe impacts of climate change, despite contributing the least to the problem.
The effects of climate change have direct repercussions on human health, the practice of medicine, and the healthcare systems that are in place. It has an effect on factors that determine health, such as the availability of clean water and food, enough shelter, and fresh air.
According to Dr. Salas, who is a practicing physician, patients in the emergency room are triaged based on how sick they are, and a process comparable to this can be applied to health equity.
She stated that “we need to prioritize those who are experiencing the worst harm from climate change,” which includes people who are dealing with issues of racial discrimination and economic inequality. Without acting on climate change, we will not be able to achieve health equity.
According to Dr. Ellen Peters, the Philip H. Knight Chair and director of the Center for Science Communication Research at the SOJC, “As the climate crisis continues to escalate, it is clear that storytelling plays an important role in the solution.” “Communication strategies that make the issue of climate change more personal by putting an emphasis on health and fairness are effective because they make the advantages of addressing the issue more tangible. The measures that need to be done have been uncovered through research, but effecting change will require participation from individuals and organizations throughout academia and society.
For more information about Dr. Renee Salas, please visit this page- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/team/renee-n-salas/
To attend her talk, pls do register below-
For the original article- pls do visit the page: https://journalism.uoregon.edu/news/johnston-lecture-storytelling-climate-change-solution
