Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability in Acute and Critical Care

former Vice President Al Gore offered a clarion call for climate action in the book and documentary An Inconvenient Truth. 1 Almost 20 years later, faced with rising global temperatures and concern from climate scientists, some Americans still do not feel the urgency to act.They think the news about rising global temperatures has been overstated, and they may not see media and governmental reports as credible. 2There have also been specific calls to health care organizations and providers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Paris Agreement, The Joint Commission, and others to take action toward environmental sustainability.Fortunately, the majority of people working in health care do believe the science surrounding climate change and understand the potential negative effects on public health.However, some feel they have insufficient knowledge and lack of support regarding promoting environmentally sustainable changes, as the topic may be viewed as controversial and too risky professionally. 3In addition, nurses may not have the knowledge required to identify potential environmental health impacts in the assessment and management of patients.Those who are already overwhelmed due to time constraints, inadequate staffing, and unhealthy work environments may not have the energy to focus on environmental issues.This symposium highlights the steps individuals and organizations can take to combat climate change and how to begin the journey toward environmental sustainability.It also addresses the potential outcomes of a changing climate that may be seen and experienced by health care providers, patients and their families, and those in communities.In this issue, Shelby describes her journey to becoming more knowledgeable about how she as a nurse could advocate for creating sustainable changes in the health care setting.She provides key information and resources for nurses on developing a green practice and leading changes within their health care settings.In a complementary perspective, Pate provides a call to action for hospitals to engage in making changes to lessen the impact on climate change.Together, these 2 articles provide ideas and encouragement for nurses to address ways that health care organizations and providers can increase their actions and contributions to combat climate change.