Health Sector Strengthens Climate Resilience and Public Health Response
New report from the National Academy of Medicine highlights frontline health care adaptation and workforce readiness amid escalating climate threats
Washington, D.C. — July 15, 2025 — The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today released an in-depth account of how U.S. health systems and professionals are confronting the mounting challenges of climate change, from preparing for extreme weather events to integrating climate considerations into health care delivery and workforce training.
The report underscores the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters — including wildfires and catastrophic flooding — and their profound effects on health care operations and patient outcomes. Firsthand narratives from clinicians and health system leaders illustrate the realities faced on the ground: clinics operating without power or infrastructure after floods, patients traveling great distances for essential medications, and critical supply chain disruptions following damage to key manufacturing facilities.
A central theme of the report is the sector’s push toward climate-resilient health systems, as evidenced by discussions at the NAM Climate and Health Summit held on Earth Day 2025. Health sector leaders convened to discuss strategies for enhancing disaster preparedness, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and equipping health professionals with the tools and knowledge to respond effectively to climate-related health threats.
The NAM findings also highlight the growing recognition that workforce training is essential to climate response. Emergency medicine, preventive medicine, nursing, and veterinary professionals are incorporating climate and health competencies into education and certification standards. These efforts aim to enable clinicians to act as trusted communicators and advocates for climate-related health protection within their communities.
In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of breaking down silos within the health sector to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tools such as the NAM’s Climate Journey Map are being leveraged to support hospitals, suppliers, and health systems in reducing environmental impacts, advancing sustainability, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
“Planetary health is human health,” remarked former Senator Bill Frist at the Summit, underscoring the urgent need for unified action across the health care ecosystem.
About the National Academy of Medicine
The National Academy of Medicine provides independent, evidence-based guidance on health and medical issues of national and international importance. As part of its ongoing Climate and Health initiative, NAM works to catalyze systemic action that protects human health in the face of climate change. (NAM)
NAM Article Link: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/on-the-frontlines-how-the-health-sector-is-responding-to-a-changing-climate/