Help protect climate for our children

The American Academy of Pediatrics was the first major medical society in the US to write a policy statement on climate change. Our updated policy was just published in March 2024. In the 14 years since the first edition, a vast body of peer-reviewed medical literature has emerged showing even more harm from heat and air pollution to health and mental health of children.

There is strong evidence that exposure to heat and air pollution for pregnant women affects the health of the unborn baby resulting in more preterm births, stillbirths, and birth defects. In addition, exposure to air pollution...