As climate change continues to reshape global ecosystems, medical schools across Europe are adapting their curricula to address the rising health threats associated with this environmental crisis. Future doctors will now receive more extensive training on how to diagnose and treat conditions like heatstroke, dengue, and malaria—diseases that are becoming increasingly prevalent due to global warming.
A new initiative, spearheaded by the European Network on Climate & Health Education (Enche), aims to prepare over 10,000 medical students across 25 institutions in countries such as the UK, Belgium, and France. Led by the University of Glasgow, this network will weave climate-related topics into the core of medical education, ensuring that tomorrow’s healthcare providers are equipped to handle the evolving landscape of disease patterns.
According to Dr. Camille Huser, a co-chair of Enche, the future holds a different set of challenges for medical practitioners. “The diseases that doctors will face in the future will be different from what we see today. It’s crucial that we equip them with the knowledge to recognize and treat these emerging conditions,” Huser explained.
The escalating temperatures and shifting weather patterns seen in Europe—especially following the continent’s hottest recorded summer—are fueling the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Mosquito populations, which transmit these illnesses, are extending their habitats to previously unaffected areas, creating new health risks. Additionally, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions are exacerbated by air pollution and extreme weather events, which further burdens healthcare systems.
Currently, climate-related health topics are often limited to a single lecture or module in medical schools. However, Enche envisions a future where climate education becomes an integral part of every stage of a doctor’s training. Huser points out that climate change doesn’t necessarily introduce new diseases but intensifies existing ones, making it more important than ever to educate doctors on the links between environmental factors and health outcomes.
An often-overlooked consequence of climate change is its contribution to antimicrobial resistance, where pathogens evolve and become resistant to current treatments. This pressing issue will also become a larger part of medical training in the coming years.
In addition to clinical skills, medical students will be encouraged to advocate for lifestyle changes that promote sustainability and public health, such as active travel (walking or cycling) and “green prescribing,” where patients engage in environmentally friendly activities like community gardening. These approaches not only benefit individual health but also reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare.
Dr. Huser highlighted a surprising fact that many overlook: the healthcare sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, on par with the aviation industry. “We often feel guilty about flying, but few people think about the environmental impact of healthcare,” she remarked.
Inhalers used to treat asthma, for instance, release greenhouse gases. Therefore, doctors will be trained to explore alternatives like dry powder inhalers, which are more eco-friendly. Managing conditions in a way that reduces the need for high-emission treatments will be a key focus moving forward.
While several institutions have independently taken steps toward integrating climate-related content into their medical education, the creation of Enche marks the first unified effort across Europe. The network also hopes to influence national medical curricula, making climate literacy a fundamental part of every doctor’s education, much like smoking cessation or obesity management.
Prof. Iain McInnes, co-chair of the network and also from the University of Glasgow, emphasized the significance of embedding this knowledge in medical practice. “This isn’t a fringe issue; it’s as critical to patient care as any other health challenge. Understanding the health impacts of climate change should be second nature to doctors,” he said.
This movement has garnered support from global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca and Novartis. Together, they are working toward decarbonizing healthcare systems through the Sustainable Markets Initiative Health Systems Task Force.
On a global level, Enche will operate as a regional hub within the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), based at Columbia University. Prof. Cecilia Sorensen, the director of GCCHE, noted that while climate change affects everyone, its impact varies greatly depending on location. “Regional networks like Enche are essential for preparing healthcare professionals to respond to the unique climate challenges faced by their communities,” she stated.
With this initiative, Europe is taking a decisive step toward equipping future generations of doctors with the skills and knowledge necessary to combat the growing health risks posed by climate change. By integrating these lessons into medical education, the healthcare sector will be better prepared to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of our changing planet.
