Reasons for Optimism About Academic Medicine's Actions Against Climate Change.

Area of Science:

• Planetary health
• Climate change impacts
• Academic medicine's role

Background:

• The climate crisis has escalated since 2009, severely impacting planetary health and increasing the urgency for action.
• Medical institutions and their stakeholders have a critical obligation to respond to the accelerating climate crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three reasons for optimism regarding academic medicine's continued action against climate change.
• To highlight the inherent alignment of academic medicine's mission with climate action.
• To emphasize the growing demand for climate-conscious workplaces among younger generations.

Main Methods:

• This commentary outlines reasons for optimism based on the inherent mission of academic medicine.
• It considers the values and demands of the evolving workforce.
• It analyzes broader economic forces influencing climate-smart practices.

Main Results:

• Academic medicine's core mission supports climate action for improved patient and community health.
• Workforce demographics increasingly favor institutions committed to climate action.
• Economic incentives are making climate-smart operations increasingly cost-effective and profitable.

Conclusions:

• While optimistic, current climate action in academic medicine is insufficient.
• A "climate lens" must be applied across all institutional functions: education, patient care, research, operations, and community engagement.
• Addressing health inequities, climate injustice, and leveraging trusted voices are crucial for advancing climate action and justice.