EACH: International Association for Communication in Healthcare statement on climate change, health and vulnerability: enhancing resilience through social and behavior change communication

Climate change poses a multifaceted threat to human health, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new challenges worldwide. From extreme weather events to shifting disease patterns, the impacts of climate change are deeply intertwined with public health. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, marginalized groups, and regions with limited resources, bear the brunt of these consequences. Amidst this complexity, social and behavior change communication emerges as a crucial tool for addressing the intersecting issues of climate change, health and vulnerability. EACH: International Association for Communication in Healthcare is a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides opportunities for international network- ing and sharing of expertise in healthcare communication teaching, research, policy and practice. EACH is a global community of practice with a mission to support the development of effective patient-centered communication in countries across the world. EACH recognizes that climate change is a real threat to people around the world and particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities and is committed to implementing practices to minimize the environmental impact of its activities. In this essay, EACH explores the significance of social and behavior change communication in enhancing resilience and mitigating the adverse health effects of climate change, with a focus on its role in fostering adaptive behaviors, building community resilience and promoting sustainable policies.