Professional Certificate in Climate Change and Health Advocacy for Health Professionals
Published on June 27, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, where we interview experts about exciting and crucial courses. Today, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith, an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Climate Change and Health Advocacy for Health Professionals. Can you tell us a bit about the course, Jane? GUEST: Thanks for having me! This course is designed to help healthcare professionals understand and address the health impacts of climate change. It equips learners with the skills to advocate for effective policies and practices that mitigate climate change and promote public health. HOST: That sounds fascinating. Can you share any personal experiences or insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Absolutely. I've seen firsthand how climate change affects health, from increased heatwaves to worsening air quality. Health professionals have a critical role to play in addressing these challenges, and this course helps them do just that. HOST: You're right, there is a growing need for health professionals who can lead climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. What current industry trends are relevant to this course? GUEST: There's increasing recognition of the health risks associated with climate change, and healthcare organizations are starting to take action. For example, many are developing climate-smart healthcare practices and integrating climate change into their strategic plans. HOST: That's great to hear. But I imagine there must be challenges in this field or while teaching this subject. What are some of those challenges? GUEST: One challenge is the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. Climate change and health intersect in many ways, so it can be challenging to cover all the relevant areas in a single course. However, we've designed this course to be flexible and accessible, so learners can tailor their learning to their needs. HOST: It's essential to have that flexibility given the complexity of the topic. Finally, I'm curious about your thoughts on the future of this area or industry. Where do you see it heading? GUEST: I believe we'll see more healthcare professionals engaging in climate change advocacy and action. As the health impacts of climate change become increasingly clear, there will be greater demand for health professionals who can lead the way in addressing these challenges. HOST: That's a powerful and inspiring message, Jane. Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights about the Professional Certificate in Climate Change and Health Advocacy for Health Professionals. GUEST: My pleasure! Thanks for having me.