15 October 2024
A new network of 25 leading medical schools across 12 European countries has been launched to address the growing health risks posed by climate change. Led by the University of Glasgow, the initiative aims to train 10,000 medical students over the next three years, equipping the next generation of doctors with the skills needed to manage the mounting health challenges tied to climate change.
The network was established in response to a critical gap in current medical education. Medical schools, according to the group’s leadership, have not done enough to prepare future healthcare providers for the specific health problems associated with environmental shifts. “From the spread of infectious diseases to increasingly deadly heatwaves, the health impacts of climate change are becoming ever more dangerous,” said Iain McInnes, co-chair of the network and head of the University of Glasgow’s College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences.
Climate change has been linked to an array of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, mental health disorders, and a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses. Last year alone, Europe saw over 47,000 deaths related to extreme heat, highlighting the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change could cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050.
One of the network’s key goals is to standardize training on climate-related health issues across medical schools. Students will be taught how to recognise and treat conditions exacerbated by extreme weather events, air pollution, and shifting ecosystems. The network will also meet the growing demands of medical students who view climate change as a major health risk they will need to confront in their careers.
McInnes emphasised the importance of ensuring that future doctors, healthcare professionals, and medical leaders are ready for the challenges ahead. “As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation of doctors have the skills they need to face these challenges and can provide the best care possible,” he said.
The network includes medical schools in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionise how healthcare providers are trained, with a focus on mitigating the health impacts of climate change across Europe and beyond.
As climate change continues to pose increasingly complex health threats, this initiative represents a critical step forward in ensuring that the healthcare sector is prepared for the future.
