In the recent editorial, the editor discussed the intersection of disaster medicine with climate change and health. Reference James1 It was pointed out that climate change is among the major issues in health care today. As a result, people fall into poverty at a faster rate, affecting the health of all humans. The calamities brought about by climate change cause income loss, asset losses, unemployment, deterioration in well-being, illness, and even death in the affected communities. Reference Hallegatte, Fay and Barbier2 People, primarily the poor and marginalized, are vulnerable to environmental shocks and extreme natural disasters.
To adapt to climate shocks and their impacts, a call for ecological citizenship has been made in education. Reference Francis3 It aims to not only provide information in managing ecological crises, but also to transform information into action and ecological commitment. It is the responsibility of local authorities to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Reference Woodhall, Landeg and Kovats4 Different approaches are taken to dealing with the health impacts of climate change, and the importance of public health arguments for adaptation also varies.
However, this researcher argues that educational institutions can also play an important role in slowing down the deliberative effects of climate change on society and the poor. Through the integration of ecological education in a variety of settings, students can develop a sensitivity to environmental problems and the needs of the marginalized in society. Reference Baring, del Castillo and Guanzon5 By becoming aware of the importance of ecology and developing ways to restore the various levels of ecological equilibrium, students and teachers are able to appreciate the love of the planet. To combat climate change, the inclusion of environmental lessons in the curriculum must be encouraged to engage students and the community. Additionally, there is an emphasis on integrating environmental awareness into all subjects, inculcating values such as love of home and world, and conducting service-learning research on waste management.
Education institutions can play a key role in adapting to climate change by responding to climate crises. Through community extension, collaboration, and cooperation with local authorities, public health institutions, and other private organizations, meaningful service activities can be performed. Learning involves both knowing and acting. Thus, academic institutions can contribute to the development of ecological citizenship among students and community members and also ensure sound environmental practices for the benefit of all, especially vulnerable individuals.
