Climate change brings about the need for numerous societal changes. Therefore, across Europe, twenty-five universities have launched a network aiming to educate over 10,000 medical students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address health protection and the impacts of the climate crisis.
The European Network for Climate and Health Education (ENCHE) seeks to integrate lectures on climate and health into curricula. This initiative arises from the fact that healthcare systems are already overwhelmed, and now face additional pressure from factors such as extreme temperatures and air pollution. At the same time, the healthcare sector itself contributes to the climate crisis, accounting for approximately five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the University of Glasgow’s website, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that 99 percent of people on the planet breathe polluted air, and seven million deaths each year are directly linked to air pollution. Furthermore, the number of heat-related deaths could triple by 2050. It is emphasized that climate impacts on health infrastructure are disrupting access to healthcare worldwide.
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ENCHE will act as a regional center of the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) at Columbia University, providing expert support and fostering transatlantic cooperation in the field of climate and health education. Additionally, the network will receive backing from leading health organizations and pharmaceutical companies involved in the Initiative for Sustainable Healthcare Systems.
ENCHE has invited other universities across Europe to join this initiative and contribute to the education of future healthcare professionals. In the future, the training could also be expanded to include other healthcare professions.
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