Some Climate Change Orgaizations in Health Care

            Ever since I was a little boy I have wanted to be a physician. I remember those times when I thought some other occupation might be for me, but when I tried to prove to myself that was the way, it always failed and the only thing I could see in my future was medicine. One might think that because of all the experiences that I have had with medicine, it might have scared me away, yet that would be false. It really only strengthened my bond of becoming a doctor, so that I could one day help those in need.

            When it comes to medicine, many doctors and scientist are firm believers in that climate change is occurring and that it needs to be taken care of. I want to talk briefly about some of the organizations in health care that are currently taking strides in the climate change movement.

            First, let’s start off with HealthCare Without Harm. This organization is tackling a vast array of issues that climate change is effecting. This organization is pushing for many changes in a variety of topics. Some of these topics being, the carbon footprint of society (like hospitals), treating aliments that climate change now causes, dealing with medical waste/supplies, sustainable energy/buildings, and also sustainable ways of producing food. This organization is doing its best in participate in a wide variety of issues and being a positive advocate for the necessary changes that that need to be made, not only in the medical field but in the world.

            The next organization I want to address is the US Climate and Health Alliance. This organization strives to help educate the U.S. population on the importance of reducing greenhouse gases and the health benefits of doing that. They promote sustainable measures for all aspects of healthcare, and are always trying to inform/educate medical professionals on new ways of creating more efficient facilities.

            The last organization I want to talk about is the American Public Health Association. The group has made the statement that climate change is happening. They are fully aware of the health related issues that come with climate change and are huge advocates for change. They push for legislation in our government and promote the Clean Power Plan, as well as the Paris agreement that was held this year. They also helped to create Climate for Health, which is a network of healthcare professionals/leaders that are promoting a cleaner, more green and efficient future for medicine.

            These are just a couple of the organizations that are promoting change in our climate for a better future. There a many more that one day I too hope to be a part of when I begin my career in medicine.

Third World Farmer

            The game I chose to play was called third world farmer. The game itself is actually pretty fun and is set up as an arcade game. It is very easy to play, so picking it up is easy for everyone to understand. The premise of the game is all about trying to be a farmer in a third world country and the struggles that come with being in that situation.

            You start off with fifty dollars and four family members that are able to work in the field to help produce crops for your family. The two adults can do more of the work load, while the two children can only do a little in comparison.

            The game deals with many issues that arise in farming lands in third world countries. First being that money is very scarce. Also when money does come around, people like to take it away from you, like corrupt government officials. The climate is probably the biggest factor that is seen in the game. The crops that are planted, either corn, wheat, cotton, or peanuts, can all be destroyed easily by the weather. Some of those factors are drought, unfertile soil, and excessive heat. On your farm you can also raise animals like chickens, pigs, cattle, and even elephants. They can all be easily killed by the weather as well. Besides the climate being the biggest issue with farm failure, other issues arise as well. Your family that tends to the farm can get sick and die. This can be caused by a lack of food, water, disease, or income if your farming hasn’t gone well for the season. Lastly the other issues that come about are wars and militants that can come and take your crops, animals, family and land.

            Everything seems to be stacked against you the player, who is trying to successfully start a farm. There always seems to be issues that prevent that from happening. The way this game could be used in a classroom is to show the vast problems that farmers have in third world countries. Have each student try to last the longest on the game to see who might be considered a better farmer in a third world country. I had some fun playing it, so I think you would too.