Ethics, care and climate change mitigation: A reflection on what care professionals can do

Abstract

Climate change is considered the most significant health threat of the 21st century, which has disproportionate impact on vulnerable peoples and communities. 1 Despite overwhelming evidence showing an urgent need to address climate change and health vulnerability, it is seldom seen as a priority. In this editorial, I draw attention to the intersection amongst ethics, care, and climate change and reflect on the role of care health professionals and emerging health technology in mitigating the impact of climate change. I reflect also on discussions, on this theme, which I contributed to at the 2022 Nursing Ethics conference at the University of Exeter, UK.The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) 2 reported that whilst in some countries, health systems have made incremental progress in responding to this health emergency, there is much room for improvement. 2 Climate change is a moral emergency 3 because of its increased harm inflicted on human and non-human life. There is a heightened need for immediate, decisive action to minimize or prevent further harm. There is also a need to respond to the threat to undermine foundational values (ie respect for human rights, dignity, patient safety, and justice) which health systems and care professionals 4 strive for.Scientific facts on climate change are essential to establish an evidence-based to support decision-making and action on climate mitigation and to accomplish transformative change. The value of an enabling environment is a determinant that influences care professionals' commitment, ethical decision-making, and action to improve systems and societal structures to create greater equity for all, is also essential.The recent release of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Working Group II contribution 5 and Working Group III contribution 6 to the Sixth Assessment Report paints a dark picture of future life on earth. This is characterized by ecosystem collapse, species extinction, and climate hazards with dire consequences for human health and well-being, equity and vulnerability. Furthermore, the IPCC called for accelerated and equitable action on climate change that will bring immediate and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This is as outlined in the global action framework of the Paris Agreement. 7 These international initiatives emphasize shifting adaptation and mitigation actions from incremental and reactive practices toward greater sustainable development and transformational changes. Such changes foster resilience.It is recognized that an enabling environment in global climate action is attentive to the intersection of ethics, social norms, worldviews, and power relationships. This contributes to sustainable development and addressing climate change and health vulnerability. These factors influence individuals and communities' willingness to take action to address climate change problems. The role and use of emerging digital technologies in sustainable development for