PURPOSE:
Global warming, due to increasing levels of greenhouse gases, results in extremes of weather. Most women have healthy pregnancies; however, global warming and the impacts on the environment can threaten and add health risks to the individual and their newborns. Environmental consequences include increased temperature, more frequent extreme weather events, excess precipitation in some areas and drought in others, rising wildfires, air pollution, changes in ecology. Climate change represents one of the largest global health threats with both immediate and long-term consequences.

DISCUSSION:
The effects of climate change can be direct and indirect with both immediate and long-term health consequences. Influences can range from food insecurity, impacts on water quality and availability, poor sanitation and water-related illnesses, heat illnesses, respiratory illnesses, wildfires and air quality with lack of shelter and population migration, changing disease patterns and morbidity, mental health, public health issues along with impacts to economic infrastructure. Midwives have a unique opportunity to lead with raising awareness, educating and advocating for mitigation strategies, preparation and care during disasters, and policy development geared at change and global cooperation.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Women, especially pregnant women have special physical and psychosocial needs. It is important to understand what climate change is, why it matters, evidence regarding health risks, and the role of the midwife in disaster preparation and response. Midwives need to build strategic advocacy skills so they can effectively lead.

KEY MESSAGE:
Climate change is a public health issue but it is also a social justice and human rights issue with economic, gender and political ramifications. Climate change poses health risks to reproductive health, pregnant people and their fetuses and newborns. Midwives are in a prime position to lead and partner with broad coalitions of researchers and providers with addressing this current crisis, advocating for societal solutions, policy development, and global cooperation. Poster session 4 (Group B)