AAP conference addresses climate change impacts on children
During its 2024 National Conference in Orlando, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted the severe effects of climate change on pediatric health. Experts presented data showing increased risks from extreme weather and pollution. The group issued a new policy urging expanded protections for children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convened its 2024 National Conference from September 20 to 23 in Orlando, Florida, where attendees focused on emerging threats to child well-being. A key session featured a presentation by Dr. Samantha Carter, a pediatric environmental health specialist, who stated, "Climate change is the single greatest threat to children's health in the 21st century, exacerbating respiratory diseases, mental health issues, and developmental delays."
The discussion centered on recent data from AAP-supported research, indicating a 35% rise in pediatric asthma hospitalizations linked to wildfire smoke over the past five years. Another study shared during the meeting revealed that extreme heat events have contributed to a 25% increase in heat-related illnesses among children under 12 since 2015. These findings build on the AAP's longstanding advocacy for environmental health, including its 2019 policy statement on climate change, which this conference aimed to update.
Panelists, including representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. "Low-income and minority communities face the highest exposure to pollution and disasters," noted Dr. Marcus Lee, a co-author of one report. The AAP announced plans for a revised policy statement by early 2025, calling for federal investments in green infrastructure and pediatric climate resilience programs.
Conference-goers, over 8,000 pediatricians and researchers, engaged in workshops on practical interventions, such as integrating climate risk assessments into routine check-ups. This event underscores the AAP's shift toward viewing environmental factors as core to pediatric care, amid global reports of rising temperatures and weather volatility.