Climate change is among the most critical and urgent public health challenges we face today. Human life is inextricably linked to our ecosystem and animal health; these interactions are innumerable, playing out in our lives and our communities around the world with complex and inequitable outcomes. Addressing the current and future impacts of climate change on the health of our students and our communities is a fundamental responsibility of public health professionals and the institutions to which they belong. It is also inherent to the values of GNAPH, which has a mission to address issues of global concern related to academic public health and a vision of worldwide collaborations that improve and protect the health of people and the planet. Collectively, we can take action, helping to build resilience, train an adequately prepared public health workforce, and implement solutions to protect the health and well-being of populations globally.
Survey on Climate and Health Education in Public Health Institutions
GNAPH is proud to join with the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER), and the Capacity Building Subcommittee of the WHO Civil Society Working Group to launch the 2024 Survey on Climate and Health Education in Public Health Institutions. This survey aims to understand the current status of climate and health courses as well as knowledge and skills assessment at institutions worldwide with a mission to elevate climate and health education in schools of public health.
This information will be critical in helping shape the future of public health education and will contribute to an annual indicator for The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change. Participation from faculty, academic coordinators, and other public health program leaders is vital, whether or not an institution currently offers climate and health education. Participation is voluntary, and institutional information will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Learn more, access the materials in multiple languages, and take the survey here.
The deadline for completing the survey is December 1, 2024.
GCCHE Africa Climate and Health Responder Course
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), in partnership with the Association of Schools of Public Health in Africa (ASPHA), CDC-Africa, WHO AFRO, Project ECHO, and the CHANCE network, has developed and is pleased to offer the Africa Climate and Health Responder Course. This virtual course, held bi-weekly over five weeks from September 17 – October 22, 2024, is an opportunity for professionals from all backgrounds to learn about climate change science, challenges, needs, and opportunities and the unique experience of the African Region in this context, which contributes the least to the causes of the climate change crisis while bearing the heaviest burden of harmful health impacts on its population. More details on the course, including a complete description, goals, requirements, course structure, meeting dates and topics, can be found on the course site.
The European Climate and Health Responders Course, which took place February – April, 2024, focused on the ecological, weather, health, and sociopolitical impacts of climate change in the European Region. All recordings and slide decks from this flagship initiative of the responder course series are available on the course site.
All of the GCCHE courses currently being offered are free and open to the public.
Webinar
On February 21, 2024, the Global Network for Academic Public Health, in collaboration with the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, held a webinar to explore the pivotal role of public health training institutions in shaping a healthier, climate-resilient future. Climate change is an undeniable crisis with profound health impacts. The role of public health professionals is essential and public health training institutions have the critical task of equipping future professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate these complex challenges.
In this discussion, leading voices from the field discussed proactive measures public health schools can take to incorporate climate and planetary health into their curricula to ensure this generation of health professionals is equipped to prevent, prepare for, and respond to climate-related health impacts. This webinar was attended by public health professionals and educators, health policy professionals, community leaders, public health students, and climate change advocates around the world.
Uncover the vital role of public health professionals in tackling climate change and health challenges by watching the recording.