NT : Of course , and one of the most concerning ways we are seeing this individual impact is through the impact on respiratory health . Children with asthma are more likely to show up in the emergency room with more intense and frequent asthma attacks when breathing in air that has higher levels of pollutants , such as smog , which is worsening with the climate crisis . And of course , we know that air pollution levels are more likely to be higher in communities of color .
IM : It ’ s tough . The frustration that so many young people feel about the inaction of older generations is valid , as is the guilt and anxiety of their parents and grandparents . I often feel challenged by the fact that , unlike , say , having one ’ s child get routine lab tests , the effects of the climate crisis cannot be prevented on an individual basis .
NT : This is definitely a “ we are in this together ” movement where we have to recognize the greater good of climate action . Raising awareness and mobilizing political will for real climate solutions is a “ treatment modality ” for protecting public health , which is essential to a healthier future for everyone . outpatient pediatrics , runs communityengaged research and advocacy projects , and serves as an assistant director of the Program in Health Humanities . Her writing and advocacy work have been featured in The Washington Post , LA Times , Richmond Magazine , NPR , and more .
Dr . Neelu Tummala is a surgeon , writer , and climate advocate who has a special interest in education and advocacy concerning the health effects of climate change and environmental injustice . She is a co-director of the Climate Health Institute at George Washington University and vice-chair of Public Relations for Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action . A writer and avid lecturer , she has contributed opinion pieces to The Washington Post , Scientific American , Newsweek , CNN , USA Today , The Hill , The Baltimore Sun , World War Zero , and the Roanoke Times .
Source : https :// orionmagazine . org / article / climatejustice‐health‐care‐neelu‐tummala‐irene‐ Mathieu
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Dr . Irène P . Mathieu is an academic pediatrician , writer , educator , and public health researcher . She is the awardwinning author of three poetry collections – Grand Marronage , orogeny , and the galaxy of origins . She is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia , where she practices