Pediatricians on climate change

The American Academy of Pediatrics was the first major medical society in the U.S. to write a policy statement on climate change. Our updated policy was just published in March 2024. In the 14 years since the first edition, a vast body of peer-reviewed medical literature has emerged showing even more harm from heat and air pollution to health and mental health of children. 

There is strong evidence that exposure to  heat and air pollution for pregnant women affects the health of the unborn baby resulting in more preterm births, stillbirths, and birth defects. In addition, exposure to air pollution and increases in temperatures affect how our brains function. This is especially true in children and can affect school performance. All children are at risk for heat related illnesses that affect their ability to enjoy any outdoor activity including school sports.

The new “soot” and the upcoming Air Toxic Standards for power plants were crafted with children in mind. These stricter standards will save lives in Montana as well as the entire country. The AAP’s policy on climate change advises pediatricians to be involved in policies that protects children, including policy on electricity generation addressed in these EPA rulings.

As pediatric providers in Montana, we see anxious and depressed youth as they experience increase in natural disasters globally.  We see increases in asthma flares, especially during wildfire smoke season. We see the effect on our children when parents lose jobs in the snow and rec-tourism industries in Montana.

We also see resiliency in our youth as they stand up advocating for change. Kids talk about climate concerns in 4-H and Girl Scouts, at church and school. They educate legislators, and frequently educate their parents! Their bravery is reflected in the youth participating in the Held v. Montana climate case as they insist that grown-ups and people in power take responsibility for their future.

Increases in heat, air pollution, and wildfire smoke have a direct impact on how we can enjoy the Montana outdoors and general quality of life.  We are so proud of the members of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Montana as they work tirelessly with state legislature, with state non-profits, with the EPA, with schools to protect the health of Montana children of all ages.  

Lynne Foss, PNP Belgrade

Lori Byron, MD 

Carbon County

Members, Montana Chapter, Academy of Pediatrics Climate Committee