The Journal of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Jun 2023)

International Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation position statement on climate change and disability

  • Marcalee Alexander, MD,
  • Jim Gosney,
  • Colleen O’Connell,
  • Fary Khan,
  • Jorge Lains

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/ph9.0000000000000001
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 2
pp. 27 – 30

Abstract

Read online

Climate change is the greatest public health threat of the 21st century. Moreover, people with the lived experience of disabilities, a population physiatrists commonly treat, are among the most vulnerable to acute disasters such as floods and wildfires and excessive heat. In this position statement, we recommend actions that physiatrists and rehabilitation professionals should take at micro, meso, and macro levels to assist in mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change on the world.