Scientists call for addressing climate change as a way to fight cancer

Scientists are warning that a lack of progress on addressing climate change could also impede efforts to curb the spread of cancer. Writing in a new commentary, researchers say that, “Climate change and continued reliance on fossil fuels push that noble goal [of eradicating cancer] further from reach.” Climate change creates conditions that help some carcinogens — such as air pollutants caused by more frequent wildfires — thrive. Climate change can also create situations that disrupt cancer care, the authors write, such as more extreme weather events that can put a strain on hospitals and laboratories and interrupt the supply chain of necessary medical equipment. The authors also argue that, as the second-biggest consumer of energy in the U.S., the health care industry here has a role to play in working to cut down its carbon emissions by incorporating more energy-efficient CT or MRI machines, for instance.

Πηγή: statnews.com