WPSR joins global call for urgent climate action to protect health

Washington health professionals are among the thousands of medical providers represented in a new call for public officials to advance solutions that address the climate crisis.

The new policy action agenda, The Call to Action on Climate, Health and Equity, advocates specific solutions to promote human health. Endorsers include The American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Public Health Association, and dozens of other groups which represent thousands of medical providers in Washington State. Recommendations include rapid transition away from coal, oil, and natural gas, promotion of active transportation, and targeted investments in communities most impacted by climate change and air pollution.

"In our state, the resulting climate crisis is already responsible for an increase in heat-related illness and deaths, as well as worsening asthma from greater levels of air pollution and wildfire smoke,” said Ken Lans, MD, the Past-President and Co-Chair of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Climate & Health Task Force, which signed the letter. “The specific recommendations in this Call to Action are affordable, achievable and will significantly benefit human health. We ask our elected officials in Washington state to continue their leadership and promote and invest in health-promoting solutions to our climate crisis.”