Climate Change Flashcards
What are the major drivers/causes of climate change?
-burning fossil fuels
- deforestation
- industrial processes
- industrial livestock farming
- agriculture
- land use changes
- waste management
- transportation
- use of HFC & SF-6
- black carbon
HC SECTOR (8.5%)
HC Sector & Climate Change
7%: direct emissions from HC facilities
11%: emissions from direct purchases of energy
82%: all other
Evidence of Climate Change
- frequent heat waves
- changes in extreme temperatures, precipitation, and seasonal weather patterns
- wildfires & smoke
- rising sea levels, heavier precipitation, and more intense tropical cyclones
- migration
- geographic changes of wine country
Impacts of Climate Change on HC
- increased heat related illnesses
- worsening of air quality (respiratory & CV diseases)
- spread of vector-borne diseases (mosquito carried)
- waterborne diseases
- food insecurity and malnutrition
- mental health impacts
- increased allergies and infectious diseases
- HC system strain
- displacement and migration
- social inequities
How might pharmacy be uniquely impacted by climate change?
SUPPLY CHAIN & RAW MATERIALS
Ex) Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
What populations of HC are impacted the most by climate change?
Exposure:
- low income (SDOH)
- occupational groups (1st responders, construction workers)
- geography/location (coastal)
Sensitivity:
- pregnant women
- pre existing conditions (asthma)
- children
Ability to Adapt:
- elderly (> 65 yo)
- disabled
- indigenous
Role of the HC Providers
- encourage healthy lifestyles & prescribing (MDIs)
- avoid prescribing unnecessary medication
- encourage green manufacturing and packaging
- minimize waste in HC system
- advocate and design products and packaging with a lower carbon footprint
- evaluate disposal of unused products
- consider changes to expiration dates, redistribution, and recycling of medications
- promote appropriate disposal practices of drugs & devices
- advocate to leadership & policitians
