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Addressing the public health implications of climate change

By sciencetolife on November 19, 2007.

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I recently attended the Emory University Climate Change Dinner series.

We were first treated to a delicious dinner of "sustainable food" followed by great speakers who touched on different aspects of the public's response, involvement and responsibility towards climate change.

One noted speaker was Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H., Director of the National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Climate change can influence severe weather patterns and, as a result, the public health of affected individuals.

Dr. Frumkin addressed some of the public health consequences of climate change and delineated the efforts of his organization to address the public health implications of climate change. These include:

1.Monitoring health and tracking diseases related to climate change
2.Diagnosing and investigating outbreaks
3.Developing preparedness plans for tragedies like heat waves and severe storms
4.Preparing a health care workforce that is competent about climate change
5.Doing more research about how climate change affects health

Another thing he talked about was communicating effectively about climate change through what he called "health marketing". He believes an effective strategy to address climate change through the media is by focusing more on positive messages rather than negative images (such as floods and storms). An example of health marketing would be to emphasize the advantages of walking over driving-you not only reduce your carbon footprint but you increase physical activity and gain all the associated benefits of exercise.

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so what exactly is a sustainable food? and also, what is the need for them anyways? I picture recycling food (which is obviously a funny picture by the way)

I also wonder the food from cloned animals.. do these two food types intersect at some point (or should they)? thanks.

By betul kacar (not verified) on 19 Nov 2007 #permalink

Dear Betul, that's a good question. In fact I asked the same question to the organizers. They explained that sustainable food is mostly locally-grown food that is cultivated and processed in a way that does the least harm to the environment. You can learn more about sustainable food from this website.

He believes an effective strategy to address climate change through the media is by focusing more on positive messages rather than negative images (such as floods and storms). An example of health marketing would be to emphasize the advantages of walking over driving-you not only reduce your carbon footprint but you increase physical activity and gain all the associated benefits of exercise.

I agree wholeheartedly with him! Climate change is something on everyone's mind and their blogs, ( mine too! LOL)
But in dealing with the technology/science to human being interface we need to come up with as many positive ideas and solutions, no matter how minuscule! People need to feel we can beat this thing. Even if we had no chance to beat it, it doesn't hurt to hope and pass that hope on!
Dave Briggs :~)

Thanks Karen,
You have a great blog too! I am kind of new to Science Blogs.com. It is Wonderful! I am making the rounds from A-Z. I am glad I made it to Science to Life and hope to be back real soon. Keep up the great work!
Dave Briggs :~)

Hey Karen,
Thanks very much! My blog doesn't have the format for a blog roll, but I certainly will be spreading the word about Science to Life. YOU have a great Blog!
Dave Briggs :~)