The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has intensified its efforts to address the intersection of climate change and health by sponsoring a forum hosted by The Globe and Mail. This new initiative is a testament to the CMA’s commitment to advancing sustainability in healthcare. This initiative is further brought to fruition through the generous support of the Trottier Family Foundation.
Today is the inaugural National Day of Action on Planetary Health. In light of this, the CMA implores immediate action from healthcare providers as well as policymakers. The association is calling on the federal government to act. We must have a robust and coordinated national response in order to address the growing health impacts of climate change. CMA’s recent advocacy efforts are a testament to the climate movement’s increasing realization that environmental sustainability is inextricably linked with public health.
In August, the CMA made a bold move by signing on to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing. This 17-page commitment provides a roadmap for how to incorporate environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions. It further cements the CMA’s deep commitment to responsible stewardship in our healthcare system.
The CMA’s engagement doesn’t end at national borders. On the world stage, the group has emerged as one of the leading international voices urging other governments to take meaningful actions to fight climate change. Just recently, a commissioner from the CMA participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (COP28). They produced a valuable impact on the course of COP28 in 2023. At this critical conference, the CMA played hardball. They supported a historic declaration signed by more than 120 countries that seeks to address health effects of climate change.
The central discussion at this convening was on how to bring these sustainable solutions into everyday practice within critical care. The CMA put together this series of webinars. These events are intended to train healthcare professionals on how to be environmentally sustainable within the healthcare system.
Dr. Margot Burnell, a leading force in the CMA, was clear about the need for these efforts on the ground.
“We need to act now so that our population and our planet remain healthy for generations to come.” – Dr. Margot Burnell
That’s why the CMA is working with partners both nationally and internationally. Collectively, they are redefining the practice of healthcare in the era of climate change. The group understands that protecting our health from environmental threats is a vital part of creating a healthy future for everyone.
