Scientists believe that climate change and the unseasonably warm temperatures it brings has contributed to the spread of certain infectious diseases, including Zika, West Nile, and dengue fever.
In a new editorial, Tony Yang, associate professor of health administration and policy, and Mona Sarfaty of Mason’s Center for Climate Change Communication, explore physicians’ role in climate change, such as explaining the health benefits of addressing climate change to community members and policymakers and supporting policies managing climate change. The editorial is published in Preventive Medical Reports.
The authors explain that when physicians urge for greater dialogue and communication with their patients about the health impacts of climate change, they also have the opportunity to promote better disease management and prevention. Read the full editorial.