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3293727 
Journal Article 
Review 
Global climate change and children's health 
Shannon, MW; Best, D; Binns, HJ; Forman, JA; Johnson, CL; Karr, CJ; Kim, JJ; Mazur, LJ; Roberts, JR; Shea, KM 
2007 
1 
Pediatrics
ISSN: 0031-4005
EISSN: 1098-4275 
120 
5 
1149-1152 
English 
17967923 
WOS:000250618900027 
There is broad scientific consensus that Earth's climate is
warming rapidly and at an accelerating rate. Human activities, primarily the burning of fossil
fuels, are very likely ( > 90% probability) to be the main cause of this warming. Climate-
sensitive changes in ecosystems are already being observed, and fundamental, potentially
irreversible, ecological changes may occur in the coming decades. Conservative environmental
estimates of the impact of climate changes that are already in process indicate that they will
result in numerous health effects to children. The nature and extent of these changes will be
greatly affected by actions taken or not taken now at the global level. Physicians have written
on the projected effects of climate change on public health, but little has been written
specifically on anticipated effects of climate change on children's health. Children represent a
particularly vulnerable group that is likely to suffer disproportionately from both direct and
indirect adverse health effects of climate change. Pediatric health care professionals should
understand these threats, anticipate their effects on children's health, and participate as
children's advocates for strong mitigation and adaptation strategies now. Any solutions that
address climate change must be developed within the context of overall sustainability ( the use
of resources by the current generation to meet current needs while ensuring that future
generations will be able to meet their needs). Pediatric health care professionals can be leaders
in a move away from a traditional focus on disease prevention to a broad, integrated focus on
sustainability as synonymous with health. This policy statement is supported by a technical
report that examines in some depth the nature of the problem of climate change, likely effects on
children's health as a result of climate change, and the critical importance of responding
promptly and aggressively to reduce activities that are contributing to this change. 
climate change; global warming; child; pediatric; health; sustainable development