Kinder vor den Folgen der Klimakrise schützen
摘要
Science is being overtaken by reality: the climate crisis is developing much faster than expected. This poses a major threat to the health of everyone, especially children and adolescents. In the global south the health consequences are already much more serious than so far in Europe. It took us doctors a long time to realize the danger of the climate crisis for health. As pediatricians we have a special responsibility as advocates for children’s health. It is up to us now to protect children with our attitude, our courage to face the truth and our clear and decisive action. All children have a right to a healthy future. It is important that we as pediatricians realize the seriousness of the situation. To this end, we have written this position paper and compiled current scientific studies. It is obvious that the climate change out of all current crises is the greatest danger to all of us. We as doctors should use our opportunity to bring knowledge about the connections between climate change and health into politics. All political decisions must take the health of future generations into account and we are the ones who should take this knowledge into civil society to make everyone aware of the threat. This is how we can take decisive action together. Climate justice is a crucial focus here. Our advice on the associations between planetary health and children’s health must focus on the co-benefits. Clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, edible plants on soil free of toxic substances, bearable temperatures and active mobility are the basis of a healthy life. Climate protection must immediately be included in all considerations, because climate protection is protection from heat. As pediatricians we take on responsibility. Politicians cannot master this alone and everyone is invited to get involved. We owe this to the children and young people entrusted to us because climate protection is child protection.