Public health nurse advocacy as essential for addressing the health impacts of climate change

Abstract

Background Climate change is transforming the environmental, social and structural determinants of health, intensifying inequities across populations and geographies. Although nurses are at the forefront of addressing climate-related health impacts, nurses’ influence on climate policy remains significantly underleveraged. Strengthening the leadership and advocacy of nurses is essential for meeting the escalating population health challenges posed by climate change. Analysis There is limited organized advocacy for climate action by public health nurses. At the 7th Global Network of Public Health Nursing (GNPHN) Conference, we invited nurses from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives on climate-related research, practice, and policy. Policy Options The participants agreed to form a global coalition to enhance climate advocacy by public health nurses. Here, we outline four key calls to action emerging from conference discussion: (1) building inclusive research through transdisciplinary collaboration, (2) dismantling inequities by integrating gender and race into climate governance, (3) promoting language consistency through intersectional and equity-oriented frameworks, and (4) integrating climate change content into nursing education. Conclusion GNPHN conference mobilised public health nurses, creating a platform and transforming awareness into collective action by outlining four calls to action for advancing climate action and advocacy by nurses.