Tag - Education

Data centers are an emerging health, environmental and economic concern for those across the country. Gas-powered data centers can emit significant amounts of pollution including volatile organic compounds and fine particulate matter which can contribute to increasing rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and elevate cancer risks among nearby communities. Large data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily drawing from local water sources in water-scarce regions and contribute to water insecurity, dehydration and poor hygiene. Recent reports note that seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) in their area. This webinar covers the current state of data centers, potential health concerns and opportunities for action for nurses and health professionals. 

This workshop introduces issues of climate change to nursing faculty, establishing the connection between climate change and health across the lifespan.

This student-led quality improvement project strengthens emergency preparedness among home care clients who have care provided via waiver program with through personalized education and assessment. Grounded in the Nurses Climate Challenge and aligned with Charter Oak State College’s School of Nursing Commitment, the project equips clients with practical tools to prepare for climate-related and other emergencies. The student created targeted educational materials, tools to evaluate client readiness, and identify opportunities to enhance safety, resilience, and health outcomes in the home setting. Through this initiative, learners advance climate-informed nursing practice while empowering vulnerable populations to better navigate emergencies.

This session explores the development and implementation of a three-part, interactive, case-based learning activity designed to integrate the Political Determinants of Health (PdoH), Planetary Health (PH), and Climate Justice (CJ) through the lens of the exposome model and local context. Developed at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, this initiative served as a scaffold for future coursework and deeper integration of planetary health and climate justice across the curriculum.

Sustainability efforts are a long game. As we teach students about the many environmental challenges we face, we must pair this with capacity-building that will allow sustained action over the long term. Utilizing sensory cues, story-telling, and shared experience, we can support students to develop not only environmental health knowledge, but also community, resilience, and even joy. Megan Czerwinski will present findings from her research on sustainability competence in nursing education, along with insights from work developing an open-access learning platform for sustainability (learngala.com) and the campus culture recommendations for the University of Michigan Commission for Carbon Neutrality.

This education and professional practice change webinar is designed to empower nurse practitioners and nurses to integrate environmental health into clinical care by incorporating education, early screening, and prevention strategies that reduce the adverse impacts of environmental exposures on chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this session, participants will explore the significance of environmental exposures in CKD and gain actionable strategies and resources to enhance practice, advance prevention, and improve community health outcomes.

Climate impacts are striking at an alarming rate within the United States. Fires and Maui, Burning Man in Nevada with rain and sheltering in pace, Hurricane Idalia, and those left in her wake are the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Nurses can be pivotal in preparation long before the event or disaster strikes. Understanding the risks your patient population may encounter is the first step. Tools such as the ones published by Americares are just one example of timely patient education. This session discusses how one primary care nurse practitioner approaches climate change and the changes necessary in primary care.

The Farm Bill proposal was released in the House in February. As written, the proposal would undermine public health, environmental protection and food security, while handing sweeping new protections to pesticide manufacturers at the expense of children and communities. Of note, the current text includes an alarming and controversial provision that would erase state and local pesticide safety laws that protect people, especially children, from exposure to toxic chemicals at schools, playgrounds and parks. More than 40 states, including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina and Texas, have adopted commonsense rules governing when and how pesticides can be sprayed near parks, playgrounds and schools. These safeguards reflect local conditions, public health science, and the voices of parents, educators and communities. The proposal threatens these protections nationwide.

he Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments gathered on June 4, 2025, at the Emory Conference Center in Atlanta, GA, for a half-day, in-person symposium for health professionals exploring how historic investments in clean energy and climate action are already creating healthier, more sustainable communities—right here in Georgia.

Investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and pollution reduction are directly improving air quality, expanding access to zero-emission transportation, and strengthening public health. At this symposium, expert speakers highlighted how these initiatives are already making an impact in local Georgia communities and shared real-world case studies and success stories. Attendees gained valuable insights into how nurses and health professionals can support and amplify this progress at the state and community level.

Designed to empower and inspire, this event provides the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to lead in advancing health-centered climate solutions and shaping a more equitable, sustainable future for all.