AMA Journal of Ethics^®

Because climate change will likely exacerbate national and international health inequity, this comic considers our future.

Harriet Washington talks about the devastating impact of environmental racism on the health and well-being of communities of color.

Dr Andrew Jameton talks about the public health threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, global climate crisis, and its interconnections.

Physician advocacy for climate change mitigation is justified by seven criteria including physicians’ efficacy, expertise, public trust, and proximity.

Gene editing to enhance humans’ adaptability to climate change should consider safety, harm to be averted, succeeding generations, and social consequences.

Family planning to mitigate climate change should reflect patients’ values and preferences, which physicians should elicit during contraceptive counseling.

The adverse health effects of climate change should be the focus of physician advocacy efforts and of conversations between physicians and their patients.

Climate change mitigation reforms of government policy, medical curricula, and health professions organizations should be the focus of physician advocacy.

Forced migration of Pacific Islanders raises ethical issues of health and health care disparities, which are examined in the case of Tuvaluan immigrants.

Public health and climate stabilization historically have competed for public funds, but investment in either good has the potential to advance both goods.