Proceedings of The World Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming
Year: 2021
DOI:
The Health Effect of Climate Change and Wildfires; the Role of Nurses
Seda Tugba Baykara Mat
ABSTRACT:
In recent years, climate change and wildfires connected with climate change were studied in the relevant literature with growing interest. It is discerned that the studies focus on the effects of climate change on public health. While this situation shows that climate change and wildfires create a problem on a global scale, it also indicates that the researchers are tempted to focus on this topic throughout the world. The results of research studies conducted in several parts of the world underline the sustainable measures, however, a quite limited number of studies are about nursing care. This compilation of studies aimed to enhance nurses’ awareness about climate change and wildfires caused by climate change and make a contribution to the international literature. This study reviewed solely English and Turkish research studies that were published in 2014-2021 and analyzed the relationship of nursing with climate change and wildfires connected with climate change. With a holistic perspective, nursing is viewed as a key profession for ensuring that the measures that are long-lasting in the global sense are taken and the sustainable development goals are attained. To alleviate the effects of climate change and wildfires connected with climate change, the manager nurses should take on an active role in reducing the likely risks and responding effectively when necessary and also, in creating and supporting flexible and proactive health systems that can predict the needs in emergencies.
keywords: climate change; wildfires; nursing practice; nursing management.