Nursing and Climate Mitigation: Decarbonization

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Nursing

Background:

• Climate change presents a significant global crisis.
• Rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a primary driver.
• The healthcare sector, particularly nursing, has a role in addressing this crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes of climate change and strategies for mitigating GHG pollution.
• To discuss the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for identifying and measuring GHGs.
• To outline the role of nurses, nurse leaders, and professional organizations in climate action and education.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of climate change causes and mitigation.
• Discussion of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol framework.
• Identification of nursing interventions and educational needs.

Main Results:

• Climate change is driven by GHG pollution.
• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides a framework for GHG management.
• Nurses can implement mitigation strategies across practice settings.
• Nurse leaders and professional organizations can drive scalable change.

Conclusions:

• Mitigating climate change requires a multi-faceted approach.
• Nursing education must incorporate climate change and planetary health.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and professional advocacy are essential for effective climate action.