Climate change and pandemics

Abstract

Introduction: The destruction of the natural environment is a perennial threat to the human species. Scientific evidence confirms its association with the development and upsurge of the Covid-19 pandemic. Environmental nurses can support environmental protection through their actions.
Aim: To demonstrate the association of ecological erosion with the recent Covid-19 pandemic and to highlight the role of the environmental nurse.
Material and Methods: A critical review of the existing literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed for the writing of the paper. Authoritative review articles and selected published studies were included.
Results: The upsurge of the recent Covid-19 pandemic is attributable to climate change. The main culprits are the increased industrial and agricultural activity, as they disrupt the food chain. Environmental nursing can by its action awaken and educate the global public.
Conclusions: The irreversible environmental catastrophe calls for immediate mobilization of the general public. Nursing has a duty to contribute in every way possible to awaken citizens and develop environmentally-friendly attitudes in order to switch to a more sustainable daily lifestyle.