Mastering media interviews to promote climate and health

This resource prepares health professionals for future media opportunities by shedding light on how journalists and news work. It provides practical tips on preparing for interviews, giving interviews, and tackling difficult questions. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are consistently regarded as some of the most trusted people in our society. At the same time, they see the health impacts of climate change first hand, whether in the aftermath of extreme weather events or in routine clinical practice.

This resource provides key messages on climate change and health that can be adapted and used to prepare for media interviews:

• The climate crisis is a health crisis. Extreme weather events, heat stress, poor air and water quality are just some of the climate change impacts that affect human health. They can lead to illness, injuries, fatalities, and mental health effects.
• We must act now on climate change. Its consequences are already visible and directly impact the human health as well as healthcare operations.
• Healthcare must be prepared for and resilient to the impacts of climate change. Our changing climate and extreme weather events not only impact human health, but also affect hospitals and healthcare systems operationally, financially, and structurally.
• Decarbonising healthcare and promoting climate-smart practices will protect both patients and healthcare.
• Healthcare facilities throughout Europe are already implementing climate-smart healthcare. This is an opportunity for you to share examples of projects you’re involved in.