Climate Change for the Pediatric Hospitalist: Impacts on Child Health & Equity-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Drs. Marwah and McShane addresses the significant impacts of climate change on pediatric health and health equity, emphasizing pediatricians' critical role in advocacy and patient care. Children are uniquely vulnerable to climate change due to their developing physiology, greater exposure to environmental hazards, and reliance on adults for protection.<br /><br />Extreme heat is highlighted as a pressing concern, with projections indicating increases in the frequency and intensity of heat waves across the U.S. Pediatric heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, require prompt recognition and treatment such as active cooling and hydration. Clinicians should educate families and communities on heat index monitoring, proper hydration during vigorous activity, and safe practices for outdoor play and sports.<br /><br />Air quality deterioration linked to climate change exacerbates respiratory illnesses in children, including asthma and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Increased particulate matter exposure contributes to preterm birth, low birth weight, and impaired lung development. The rising burden of pollen due to higher CO2 levels worsens allergic diseases. Providers can counsel families to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) and minimize exposure during poor air quality days.<br /><br />Vector-borne diseases are expanding geographically with changing climate patterns. Diseases such as dengue fever, more common locally in states like Florida and Texas, and Lyme disease are increasing as vectors' habitats expand due to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation. Awareness of clinical features and lab findings supports timely diagnosis and management.<br /><br />Severe weather events and climate-related system disruptions pose additional health threats and underscore the importance of emergency preparedness, especially for medically vulnerable children.<br /><br />The presentation concludes by encouraging pediatricians to engage in multi-level climate action: incorporating climate-informed patient care and education, promoting sustainability in healthcare, advancing medical education on climate health, and advocating for policies that reduce environmental injustice and protect children’s health and futures.

Keywords

climate change

pediatric health

health equity

extreme heat

heat-related illnesses

air quality

respiratory illnesses

vector-borne diseases

emergency preparedness

climate advocacy