• Patrice K Nicholas and Suellen Breakey.
• Director, Global Health and Academic Partnerships, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Global Health Equity and Center for Nursing Excellence, and Professor, MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, Boston, MA, USA.
• J Nurs Scholarsh. 2017 Nov 1; 49 (6): 606-616.

PurposeClimate change is an emerging challenge linked to negative outcomes for the environment and human health. Since the 1960s, there has been a growing recognition of the need to address climate change and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions implicated in the warming of our planet. There are also deleterious health outcomes linked to complex climate changes that are emerging in the 21st century. This article addresses the social justice issues associated with climate change and human health and discussion of climate justice.Organizing ConstructDiscussion paper.MethodsA literature search of electronic databases was conducted for articles, texts, and documents related to climate change, climate justice, and human health.FindingsThe literature suggests that those who contribute least to global warming are those who will disproportionately be affected by the negative health outcomes of climate change. The concept of climate justice and the role of the Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice are discussed within a framework of nursing's professional responsibility and the importance of social justice for the world's people. The nursing profession must take a leadership role in engaging in policy and advocacy discussions in addressing the looming problems associated with climate change.ConclusionsNursing organizations have adopted resolutions and engaged in leadership roles to address climate change at the local, regional, national, and global level. It is essential that nurses embrace concepts related to social justice and engage in the policy debate regarding the deleterious effects on human health related to global warming and climate change. Nursing's commitment to social justice offers an opportunity to offer significant global leadership in addressing the health implications related to climate change.Clinical RelevanceRecognizing the negative impacts of climate change on well-being and the underlying socioeconomic reasons for their disproportionate and inequitable distribution can expand and optimize the profession's role in education, practice, research, and policy-making efforts to address climate change.© 2017 Sigma Theta Tau International.

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