Pediatricians Struggle to Integrate Climate Change Education into Daily Practices

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Cooper University Health Care reveals that pediatric healthcare providers in the United States face significant challenges when it comes to discussing climate change with their patients, despite recognizing its detrimental effects on children's health. A survey of over 100 parents and 30 pediatricians in Southern New Jersey showed that 57.4% of parents and 83.8% of physicians are worried about the impact of climate change on children's physical and mental health. The top concerns for both groups were air pollution, vector-carried diseases, and allergens and pollen. However, pediatricians reported feeling ill-equipped to integrate climate change education into their daily practices due to lack of time and knowledge.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pediatricians in Southern New Jersey reported feeling worried about the impact of climate change on children's physical (83.8%) and mental (64.8%) health.
  • The top three areas of climate health concern among parents were air pollution, vector-carried diseases, and allergens and pollen.
  • Pediatricians cited lack of time (89.2%) and knowledge (70.3%) as reasons for reduced willingness to discuss climate change with patients.
  • The majority of pediatricians (75.6%) listed patient education materials as a solution to facilitate climate counseling.
  • A lack of time and knowledge are major barriers to pediatricians integrating climate change education into their daily practices.

Statistics:

  • 57.4% of parents reported feeling worried about the impact of climate change on children's physical health.
  • 83.8% of pediatricians reported feeling worried about the impact of climate change on children's physical health.
  • 64.8% of pediatricians reported feeling worried about the impact of climate change on children's mental health.
  • 89.2% of pediatricians reported a lack of time as a barrier to discussing climate change with patients.
  • 70.3% of pediatricians reported a lack of knowledge as a barrier to discussing climate change with patients.
  • 75.6% of pediatricians listed patient education materials as a solution to facilitate climate counseling.

Sources:

  • Cooper University Health Care Reports Findings in Climate Change (Addressing climate change concerns in pediatric health care settings: exploring parental and physician perspectives). Global Warming Focus. July 28, 2025; p 89.
  • Environment International. Addressing climate change concerns in pediatric health care settings: exploring parental and physician perspectives. 2025;202:109661.
  • Cooper University Health Care. Department of Pediatric Medicine, One Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ 08103, United States.