Category: Advocacy

How Climate Education for Clinicians Can Make a Difference

/ activist360
Two healthcare professionals in masks forming a heart shape with their hands, holding a small globe within it, emphasizing their commitment to global health under the Quality Incentive Program (QIP)
In a survey of 2417 clinicians at an academic medical center, most found climate change and healthcare sustainability relevant to their practices and reported increased knowledge after completing a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) measure.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health crisis that requires the attention and action of all sectors, including healthcare. A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading academic medical center in Boston, has shed light on the power of climate education among healthcare professionals. This innovative approach through a Quality Incentive Program (QIP) highlights how targeted educational efforts can significantly enhance clinicians’ understanding and responsiveness to the health impacts of climate change.

The Power of Education in Healthcare

The QIP focused on educating clinicians about the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health and healthcare sustainability. The program, involving structured educational video modules, was remarkably successful, with a participation rate of 94.5% among eligible clinicians. This high engagement rate underscores the healthcare community’s recognition of the urgency of the climate crisis.

Key Findings from the Study

  • Increased Knowledge and Awareness: Clinicians reported a significant increase in their knowledge about how climate change affects health. Post-education, most clinicians felt better equipped to address these challenges in their practice, indicating that education can effectively bridge the knowledge gap.
  • Relevance to Clinical Practice: The study revealed that the education was not only relevant but also crucial for clinical practice. Clinicians in specialties directly facing the impacts of climate change found the modules particularly pertinent. This highlights the need for specialty-specific content that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within different fields of medicine.
  • Positive Shift in Attitudes: The positive reception to the educational modules was evident across various demographics within the healthcare community. Female clinicians and those in climate-facing specialties, such as pulmonology and infectious diseases, expressed a higher appreciation for the relevance of this education, suggesting that personal and professional experiences might influence perceptions of climate education’s importance.
  • Desire for More Action: Clinicians not only learned from the modules but were also motivated to seek further information and take action within their practices. This enthusiasm for more actionable insights points to a growing consensus among healthcare professionals about the role they play in mitigating climate change.

Implications for the Healthcare Sector

The success of the QIP at Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrates that climate education can be seamlessly integrated into professional development for healthcare providers. This approach not only enhances clinicians’ understanding but also empowers them to act. Healthcare institutions worldwide have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to adopt similar programs that educate and engage their staff in sustainability efforts.

Summing Up

The healthcare sector stands in a unique position to influence positive change. By incorporating climate education into regular training and incentive programs, healthcare providers can become pivotal players in advocating for and implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The findings from this study not only highlight the effectiveness of such educational initiatives but also call for a widespread adoption to make a more significant impact.

Call to Action

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to advocate for climate education within their institutions, ensuring that the health impacts of climate change are recognized and addressed in medical training and practice. It’s time to expand the role of healthcare in combating climate change, moving from awareness to action.

Armand, W., Padget, M., Pinsky, E., Wasfy, J. H., Slutzman, J. E., & Duhaime, A.-C. (2024). Clinician knowledge and attitudes about climate change and health after a quality incentive program. JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2426790.

Reject Regression: Advocate for Bold Climate Action Against Project 2025’s Harmful Proposals

/ activist360
Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Vote Biden. Vote Blue.
Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.


As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent and decisive action is needed. However, Project 2025 proposes reforms that significantly undermine critical environmental protections and sustainable development efforts. These reforms threaten to derail progress on combating climate change, protecting public health, and ensuring environmental sustainability. These policies are regressive and dangerous. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.

Energy Policy: Prioritizing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future

The proposed energy policy in Project 2025 advocates for an “all of the above” approach, emphasizing the continued use of fossil fuels while criticizing renewable energy initiatives. This perspective overlooks the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Renewable energy and sustainability are imperative for ensuring long-term energy security. Prioritizing clean energy technologies like wind, solar, and advanced nuclear power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and enhance energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies and climate initiatives that drive innovation and reduce our carbon footprint.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy could, and should, account for 90% of the power sector’s decarbonization by 2050, creating millions of jobs and enhancing energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies, research and development in clean technologies, and the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms to incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Protection: Strengthening the EPA’s Role

Project 2025 aims to eliminate climate change initiatives within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criticizing them as economically burdensome. This perspective ignores the critical role that climate policies play in safeguarding public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Climate change initiatives are vital for long-term environmental sustainability. The EPA’s focus on renewable energy and stringent air quality standards ensures cleaner air, reduces health risks, and mitigates the impacts of climate change. Rather than eliminating these initiatives, we should strengthen the EPA’s capacity to enforce science-based regulations that protect both the environment and public health.

Health and Climate Change: Integrating Environmental Considerations

Project 2025 suggested for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) largely ignore the connections between public health and climate change. This oversight will result in dangerously inadequate preparation and response to health crises worsened by climate conditions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Public health policies need to incorporate the impacts of climate change, which include increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from air pollution, and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. A robust public health system that addresses these challenges is crucial for building resilient communities. Policies should promote environmental health and prepare for the health impacts of a changing climate.

Agriculture and Water: Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Resilience

Project 2025 will downplay agricultural and water policies, focusing on deregulation and short-term economic gains. This approach leads to accelerated environmental degradation and resource depletion. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Sustainable agriculture and water management practices are essential for long-term resilience and our health! Policies should support conservation programs, promote water-efficient technologies, and encourage sustainable farming practices. Investing in sustainable agriculture ensures food security, protects natural resources, and mitigates the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems.

Housing and Urban Development: Building Green Communities

Project 2025 reverses climate change initiatives within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) threatening to halt progress on sustainable urban development. Ignoring climate considerations in housing policies leads to higher energy costs and increased emissions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Climate change initiatives in housing are crucial for promoting energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban planning. Policies should incentivize green construction, support renewable energy integration, and ensure that urban development is resilient to climate impacts. Sustainable housing reduces energy costs, lowers emissions, and improves the quality of life in communities.

Summing Up

Project 2025 presents a regressive approach to climate policy, favoring short-term economic gains for a few over long-term sustainability. This perspective is not only shortsighted but also dangerous, as it undermines efforts to combat climate change and protect public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

We must advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy, strengthen environmental protections, integrate climate considerations into public health, promote sustainable agriculture, and build green communities. By embracing a comprehensive approach to climate action, we can ensure a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. 

Our planet is at a critical juncture. We must reject proposals that roll back environmental progress and instead champion policies that foster innovation, equity, and sustainability. The climate crisis demands bold and immediate action. By committing to protecting our environment and securing a healthy, prosperous future for all, we can rise to the challenge and create a legacy of resilience and sustainability.

Vote Biden. Vote Blue. 

Vote Biden. Vote Blue. They champion comprehensive and forward-thinking climate policies which are crucial for our future, health, and sustainability of our children and future generations. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

The Global Plastic Crisis: Corporate Accountability & Reduction Strategies

/ activist360


Photo of plastics near trees. Myanmar (Burma). Photo by Stijn Dijkstra, Pexels.

The global plastic pollution crisis, driven by major corporations, has reached alarming levels. The recent study “Global Producer Responsibility for Plastic Pollution,” published in Science Advances, reveals a direct link between corporate plastic production and the branded waste found polluting our planet.

Key Findings of Plastic Pollution and Corporate Influence

The study, conducted over five years (2018-2022) across 84 countries, with particularly robust coverage in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, analyzed over 1,500 brand audits to quantify the sources of plastic pollution. The findings are staggering:

  • Just 56 companies accounted for over 50% of all branded plastic pollution documented globally.

  • The top contributors include The Coca-Cola Company at 11%, followed by PepsiCo (5%), Nestlé (3%), Danone (3%), and Altria (2%).

  • There was a clear linear relationship between a company’s plastic production levels and the amount of its branded plastic pollution found in the environment.

  • Food and beverage companies producing single-use plastics were disproportionately higher polluters compared to their production volumes.

  • A startling 50% of the plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded. This highlights the need for improved labeling to identify polluter sources and hold companies responsible.

These results show evidence that major corporations are driving the global plastic crisis through their excessive production of disposable plastic products and packaging. Food and beverage companies, which produce many single-use plastic products, were disproportionately higher polluters relative to their production volumes compared to companies making longer-lasting household and retail products. 

There were noticeable gaps in data from regions like South America, central and north Asia, the Middle East, and central Africa.

Strategies for Reducing Corporate Plastic Pollution

To combat global plastic pollution effectively, the study suggests several strategies:

  • Phase out non-essential single-use plastics: Corporate polluters, especially the largest polluters identified, need to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastic products.

  • Invest in alternative materials: Develop and utilize safer, sustainable materials.

  • Implement reuse and refill systems: Promote systems that reduce the need for single-use packaging and promote and alternative materials.

  • Maintain standards of transparency and accountability: Develop international standards for packaging labeling and branding.

The study also revealed that 50% of plastic pollution items found were completely unbranded, highlighting a critical lack of transparency and traceability. To address this, the researchers recommend the creation of an international, open-access database where companies would be required to report their plastic pollution – from production to waste.

By holding corporations accountable and compelling them to fundamentally shift away from single-use plastics, we can move towards tackling the plastic pollution crisis. This data-driven approach provides a clear roadmap for environmental activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens to demand urgent action from the world’s largest plastic polluters.

The Role of Transparency and Accountability

The study recommends creation of an open-access global database where companies must quantitatively track and report their plastic product and packaging data, as well as releases into the environment. 

There is yet no single, comprehensive global database that mandates reporting of all corporate plastic production and waste; however, there are several initiatives that aim to increase transparency and accountability.

  • The Global Commitment and Plastic Pact Network led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation requires members to track and report their progress on plastic waste reduction. The Plastic Disclosure Project also encourages companies to voluntarily report their plastic pollution.

  • The European Union has implemented directives requiring companies to report on packaging and waste. 

  • The Global Plastic Action Partnership also engages stakeholders to shape national action plans on plastic pollution.

  • Some countries have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which requires producers to report on production, recycling, and waste management activities. 

Mobilizing Stakeholders for Action

The clear link established between corporate plastic production and environmental pollution underscores an urgent need for systemic changes in how plastic products are produced, used, and disposed of. With a significant portion of plastic pollution traceable back to a handful of major corporations, especially those producing single-use plastics, the path forward requires a combined effort of corporate innovation and robust governmental regulation. By focusing on extended producer responsibility and encouraging sustainable alternatives, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy. It is crucial for governments, corporations, and consumers to work together to implement these changes and preserve our environment for future generations.

No More Excuses

The era of excuses and inaction has ended. We must hold these corporations accountable for their contributions to the plastic pollution crisis.

Source: Cowger, W., Willis, K. A., Bullock, S., Conlon, K., Emmanuel, J., Erdle, L. M., Eriksen, M., Farrelly, T. A., Hardesty, B. D., Kerge, K., Li, N., Li, Y., Liebman, A., Tangri, N., Thiel, M., Villarrubia-Gómez, P., Walker, T. R., & Wang, M. (2024). “Global producer responsibility for plastic pollution.” Science Advances, 10(eadj8275).