Today WHO launches new guidance for climate resilient health systems which places preparing the workforce as one its four main strategies. See page 32/38 for details - I've excerpted the introduction to that section here:
4.1 HEALTH WORKFORCE iNTERVENTiONS
Health workers have a key role in building climate resilience and environmental sustainability of health care facilities. Because building climate resilience and environmental sustainability are relatively new approaches for health workers, building awareness, training and empowering health workers are key requirements for the successful implementation of interventions. In many settings, already stressed by lack of staff and resources, building resilience and environmental sustainability need to be integrated as a support to health care work and the protection of health and safety of staff, patients and communities.
Objectives for implementation
Human resources: Health care facilities having sufficient number of health workers with healthy and safe working conditions, capacity to deal with health risks from climate change, as well as the awareness and empowerment to ensure environmentally sustainable actions.
Capacity development: Training, information and knowledge management targeted at health care workers to respond to climate risks and minimize environmental threats resulting from the operation of the health care facility.
Communication and awareness raising: Communicate, coordinate and increase awareness related to climate resilience and environmental sustainability among health workers, patients, visitors, target communities, and with other sectors.
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