NAM Initiative to Accelerate the National Climate and Health Movement
Background
The health sector is a key contributor to climate change, generating 4.4% of carbon emissions globally and 8.5% of emissions in the United States. Climate change has a profound impact on human health: communities around the United States are already grappling with devastating effects from excessive heat and air pollution, increased extreme weather events, and more. Important work is underway, as the health sector is primed to act and make changes to improve the lives of communities around the country. Together, we can address the health impacts of climate change and accelerate the groundswell of support and action across our sector to make further progress every day.
To build and sustain this momentum, you’re invited to join the NAM initiative to accelerate the national climate and health movement.
organizations have joined the movement, including 46 health systems representing 778 hospitals
The NAM is amplifying examples of climate actions undertaken by a growing slice of movement participants. This resource for all health-related organizations – including health care organizations, academics, associations, supply chain companies, community organizations, and more – offers ideas that institutions can replicate to address climate and health.
Goals
The NAM aims to serve as a coordinating body to build and sustain momentum of organizations addressing climate and health across the nation. This initiative will broaden this national movement to mobilize health-related organizations, provide guidance and resources, and facilitate relationships across participating organizations.
The NAM launched this initiative in April 2024, on Climate and Health Day as part of the US Climate Action Summit. Any health-related organization is welcome to join us in accelerating the national climate and health movement, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey.
Your Role in the Movement
In addition to your organization being able to promote itself as part of this initiative, by joining, organizations will have opportunities to:
Receive highlights about the most impactful climate work
- Learning opportunities from leading organizations in climate and health
- Receiving early access to NAM resources
Forge new and exciting collaborations
- Forming connections, opportunities, and partnerships
- Receiving early access to and participating in NAM virtual and in-person events, such as roundtables and the annual Climate and Health Summit
Track collective progress
- Increasing visibility of existing efforts and achievements
- Showcasing the landscape of actors and actions
Process details
You will be asked to share information about the following:
- Point of contact person (may be shared publicly to facilitate information exchange and collaboration)
- Brief written description of efforts to address climate and health
Once your submission has been confirmed, you will be notified and receive onboarding and promotional materials at that time. You will also receive a link to a follow-on survey to submit additional information to populate a forthcoming fall 2024 digital showcase that will track collective progress across the initiative. Questions? Email ClimateandHealth@nas.edu.
Building on the Foundation of the NAM Climate Collaborative Network
The NAM initiative to accelerate the national climate and health movement builds on the collective work of Climate Collaborative Members and Network Organizations during the first phase of this program. Thank you to our 2021-2023 network for tremendous progress in decarbonization and resilience within the U.S. health sector. We look forward to deepening partnerships with our network through this initiative, in addition to bringing new actors into the movement. Learn more about and access tools from the Climate Collaborative >>
