How are you addressing climate change? Share your ideas!

In the months leading up to National Public Health Week, influential public health experts, climate change experts, and representatives of vulnerable populations will work together to develop a list of key recommendations for planning for and managing the health impacts of climate change. The Climate Change: Our Health in the Balance: A Charge for Public Health and the Public white paper highlights the innovative ways individuals, families and communities around the country are addressing climate change and how policy-makers are moving forward with proposals that support healthy communities and climate.

There are public health professionals around the country already implementing groundbreaking strategies to respond to and prevent the potentially devastating impacts of climate change. Others are in the trenches, tackling public health problems day-in-and-day-out without recognizing that many of them are directly related to climate change.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS!

Is your community taking innovative steps to get ready for heat waves or hurricanes? Or have you started to drive less and walk more – which is healthier for the climate, and for you? Post a comment below to share your good ideas and recommendations about everyday steps we can all take make our planet healthier!

Consider the following questions:

• What actions are you taking to reduce your contribution to climate change and to help your family live a healthier lifestyle?
• What innovative measures are already being implemented by communities to protect kids, the sick, underserved communities and the elderly – and how do you bring them to your community?
• What strategies are being spearheaded by public health professionals to address or prevent the biggest threats of all?

Your ideas, recommendations and insight will provide invaluable guidance throughout National Public Health Week 2008 and beyond. Together we can work to improve the health of our families and communities, while also creating a healthier planet.