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Ecological transition and health: the role of physicians and healthcare
Summary
This perspective article examines the role of physicians and healthcare workers in addressing climate change and pollution as major public health threats, including microplastics, PFAS, and fine particulate matter. It argues that the medical community must move beyond disease treatment to advocate for reduced fossil fuel use and sustainable healthcare policies.
Climate change and pollution are major public health threats, contributing to the rise of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. The medical community plays a key role in raising awareness and promoting sustainable healthcare practices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of unsustainable resource exploitation. Pollutants like microplastics, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and PFAS chemicals contaminate air, water, and food, posing serious health risks. Despite scientific evidence, global efforts to combat climate change remain insufficient, with international agreements struggling to limit fossil fuel use. The medical community must look beyond disease treatment and address the environmental and socioeconomic determinants of health. A sustainable future depends on reducing pollution, limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and implementing eco-friendly healthcare policies. Time is running out, and urgent action is needed.