The pediatrician as role model and consultant on climate change

Climate change affects children and adolescents twice over. On the one hand they are vulnerable in the context of their physical and mental development, on the other hand they still have their lives ahead of them and thus messages about climate change become a real threat. As the first point of contact for this age group, the pediatrician needs in-depth knowledge of climate change and in recognizing climate change-related illnesses. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of the pediatrician as a consultant on climate change issues. Direct consequences (e.g., heat waves) as well as indirect consequences (e.g., air pollution, changes in the pollen season) have already become part of everyday clinical practice and must be perceived and addressed as such. In addition to their role as advisors, pediatricians can also act as role models to counteract climate change. This includes, in particular, acknowledging that one is aware of this issue. In addition to the World Health Organization, other organizations have defined areas of action and goals. Solutions are thus available, they just need to be undertaken as a society, economy and individuals.