A Unified Statement on Protecting Health and Climate Amid New Threats

January 27, 2025

On January 20, 2025, Presid

ent Trump took office and swiftly issued executive orders threatening progress on climate and health, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and World Health Organization, clearing a path to expedite oil and gas permitting, and freezing funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. Some of these changes will take effect immediately, while others may take time to unfold.

Despite these actions, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and the undersigned societies remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the health of all communities and advancing just energy solutions to the climate crisis. Major medical societies, health professional organizations, and public health groups across the country have affirmed that climate change is a public health emergency. From air pollution and water contamination to devastating natural disasters and higher incidence rates of infectious disease, the health impacts are already evident in our offices, hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms. 

The American people overwhelmingly support climate action and clean energy.  A Pew Research study found that 74% of Americans support the country’s participation in international efforts to reduce the effects of climate change, while 67% of U.S. adults prioritize the development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydrogen power over increasing the production of fossil fuel energy sources. 

Clean energy investments have already proven their value, driving job growth and economic prosperity across the country. Since 2022, over 400,000 new clean energy jobs have been created—many in Republican-led districts—showing that renewable energy strengthens communities and fosters bipartisan economic benefits.

Expanding fossil fuel infrastructure while neglecting renewables jeopardizes both public health and economic well-being. Fossil fuel pollution contributes to higher rates of asthma (especially for young children), neurological harms, exacerbations of chronic lung and heart conditions, increased cancer rates, and low birth weights in newborns. Health professionals witness these harms firsthand and recognize that clean energy is the path to healthier communities and a more resilient economy.

Communities across America want and benefit from clean energy jobs, reductions in harmful pollution, and investment in renewable energies. We remain committed to advocating for safe and healthy communities and we will continue our work to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all Americans. 

Signed, 

Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

American Association for Community Psychiatry

American College of Chest Physicians

American Society for Reproductive Medicine

American Thoracic Society

Infectious Diseases Society of America

The National Medical Association

Society of Behavioral Medicine

Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Wilderness Medical Society