Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan of Virginia led 28 of her colleagues Tuesday in introducing a resolution recognizing the threat of extreme weather to children’s health and well-being.
The resolution expresses the sense of U.S. Congress that solutions must be rapidly and equity deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities and needs of children. The resolution also describes adaptive measures needed, such as language-accessible public alerts, education for health care professionals, educators, and childcare providers, improved air filtration systems and expanded access to child-friendly green space and cooling centers.
“Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, causing them to increase in severity and frequency. As a mother to two young children, I will continue fighting to address climate change and ensure a healthy, livable planet for future generations,” McClellan said. “Babies, children, and adolescents face particular vulnerabilities to adverse health impacts caused by extreme weather. My resolution acknowledges these dangers and resolves to implement tailored solutions to protect the next generation. I thank all of the endorsing organizations for their support, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to protect the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of our children.”
Later on Tuesday, she joined Moms Clean Air Force and U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon for an event in support of climate- and environment-forward policies that prioritize the next generation.
“Climate disruption is here and extreme weather events are only going to become more frequent — and more dangerous. We are indebted to Representative McClellan for her leadership in protecting our children. We must consider children’s unique vulnerabilities as we create and fund adaptations to extreme weather. Moms Clean Air Force will continue our fight against climate and air pollution. But now we must also adapt to the damage done.” Founder of Moms Clean Air Force Dominique Browning said.
Katie Huffling, Executive Director of Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, said that nurses are first-hand witnesses of the negative health impacts that environmental factors including extreme heat, air pollution, wildfires and floods inflict on infants and children.
“The Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments fully supports legislation to expand funding and the rapid deployment of adaptation measures and protections for children from extreme weather conditions. These health safeguards will help to ensure that infants, children, and youth are given the best opportunities to stay safe and healthy during the extreme weather events that are becoming more common throughout the US,” Huffling said.
American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Winner said that extreme heat and increased air pollution “are wreaking havoc on lung health across the country. Unusually high temperatures are not so unusual anymore. Recognizing the threat that extreme heat has on health and health inequities is the first step toward finding solutions. We thank Congresswoman McClellan for offering a resolution that identifies adaptation solutions to the health and equity challenges created by extreme heat and pollution.”
“We need to address and support the emotional impacts of extreme weather due to climate change on young people to ensure that they are able to thrive in a rapidly warming world. This resolution is a critical step in recognizing the undue burden young people face and the need for urgent action,” Sarah Newman, Executive Director of the Climate Mental Health Network, said.
According to ecoAmerica Executive Director Meighen Speiser, the resolution recognizes “the momentous opportunity” to care for the wellbeing of children while also advancing an equitable future for all.
“We are reminded time and again that children are not just little adults but rather developing humans who are far more sensitive to temperature, air quality, and trauma, often with lifelong implications,” Speiser said.
Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action Chair Samantha Ahdoot said that Virginia clinicians are caring more and more for children affected by extreme weather conditions.
“Children in our care are experiencing more extreme heat, intensified storms and floods, and shifting ecosystems. These changes present fundamental risks to healthy child growth and development. The unique needs of children must be prioritized in adaptation plans to ensure they are protected in our changing world,” Ahdoot said.
The climate crisis is also worsening pregnancy outcomes, food insecurity, physical and mental health problems and developmental delays in young children, according to ZERO TO THREE Chief Policy Officer Miriam Calderón.
“Our nation must do everything in its power to secure a healthier, safer tomorrow for babies and toddlers whose future on this planet will be shaped by our choices today,” Calderón said.
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Rebecca Barnabi
