The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes climate change as a critical threat to public health, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations and communities. The AAFP is committed to addressing the health impacts of climate change through advocacy for sustainable and equitable solutions that protect health, reduce health inequities, and promote resilience in health care systems and communities.
The AAFP supports efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the health care sector, recognizing the role of emissions reduction as both a quality of care and public health imperative. The AAFP also advocates for the integration of climate risks into health care planning, disaster preparedness, and the development of climate-resilient health care systems.
Family physicians are essential in leading efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting climate-smart health care, advocating for social and environmental justice, and guiding community adaptation strategies. The AAFP encourages comprehensive education and training on climate change and environmental health to equip current and future physicians with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and improve the health of all populations in the face of climate change. (1969) (July 2025 BOD)