EPA Region: USA
The United States region is expansive with rich social and ecological diversity. The remarkable variability in ecosystems across the nation, coupled with rich indigenous histories and the complex legacy of colonialism, slavery, forced migration, and immigration, has resulted in variable health and social vulnerabilities to climate change and ecological degradation. With the largest economy in the world, the United States is responsible for a disproportionate amount of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the healthcare sector in the US contributes to approximately 8.5% of those emissions. Healthcare providers, including physical therapists, are uniquely positioned to propel the education, advocacy, and action needed to tackle the enormous challenge of the triple planetary crisis: climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Our diverse population and the spirit of innovation, hope, and resilience within our communities can create and implement solutions to improve planetary health.
Get involved!
Environmental Physical Therapy Catalyst group
Hosted by the Americal Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Leadership and Innovation
The Environmental Physical Therapy Catalyst Group serves as an information and networking hub promoting environmentally responsible practice, research, education, innovation and policy across healthcare settings and populations within United States’ contexts. Environmental PT is housed within APTA’s Academy of Leadership and Innovation. Information regarding its vision and objectives can be found here, or by contacting co-founders Cindy Moore (cinmoore77@verizon.net) or Maral Hassanshahi (maral.dpt@gmail.com). Meetings for the environmental catalyst group are open to non-members!
Advocacy resources
Advocacy work is critical for improving awareness, shaping policy, promoting scientific evidence, and protecting people from the health impacts of climate change and other environmental harms. Explore these resources for toolkits and advocacy opportunities:
Toolkits – The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (MSCCH)
Continuing education opportunities
Climate & Health Program Diploma in Climate Medicine
Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health education content: Presentations – The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (MSCCH)
Student resources
The Planetary Health Report Card: an opportunity for physical therapy students to evaluate and improve planetary health content in their institution.
Take inspiration from a Doctor of Physical Therapy program with a focus on sustainability: Emory University DPT Sustainability | Physical Therapy Education | United States
Podcasts
Notable organisations and initiatives
The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health hosts a network of state-level organizations “working to organize, train, and mobilize health professionals around the health impacts of climate change and the health benefits of equitable climate action”. Find an organization in your state here.
Healthy Climate Wisconsin (formerly known as the Wisconsin Health Professionals for Climate Action) is committed to communicating that the global climate crisis is a public health emergency and advocating for equitable solutions to decrease the impact of climate change on human health.
Header image by Rafael Peier on Unsplash