Children’s Health
Children’s Health Working Group
Chair Dr. Thomas Walsh
Objectives:
Lead the Climate Connections K-8 program
Protect the emotional and physical health of young children in the face of a warming climate
Develop strategies and serve as a partner for the Climate Informed Pediatric Care project
Advocate for adoption of positive climate and health policies by child healthcare organizations, such as NH AAP
Engage the broader child healthcare community, including trainees and early-career healthcare workers in climate action
“As a pediatrician dedicated to improving children’s health, I am very much aware that climate change is causing significant medical issues for our children. This is a problem pediatricians now face in their offices every day and not just something for our future. In addition, the recent United Nations IPPC report warns that unless we act now, climate change will become irreversible.”
- George “Skip” Devito, MD
Since 2023, NH Healthy Climate has collaborated with partner organizations, educators, and families on Climate Connections (formerly CHICKs), a program focused on protecting the emotional and physical health of children in the face of environmental change. By creating opportunities for education and advocacy, Climate Connections contributes to critical climate adaption that centers some of our most vulnerable neighbors and illuminates the connections between climate and children’s health.
What We’re Reading Now:
“Climate Change, Fossil-Fuel Pollution, and Children’s Health”
The New England Journal of Medicine, Frederica Perera, Dr.P.H., Ph.D., and Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D., 2022