We are excited to announce the formal launch of the Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment (AHPE), an initiative of the Alberta Environmental Network. This Working Group aims to build strong partnerships within Alberta's health sector committed to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and reducing the adverse effects of environmental threats on the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
AHPE’s key objectives explore the intersecting challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the degradation of ecosystems. We work on:
- Building Consensus: Uniting health professionals and organizations at a provincial level to address environmental challenges.
- Public Education: Raising awareness about environmental risks and mitigation strategies.
- Advocacy: Encouraging action from governments and the private sector.
- Structural Change: Promoting sustainable practices within health organizations.
- Social Justice: Protecting vulnerable populations from environmental risks.
- Biodiversity Protection: Advocating for strong climate and environmental protections.
Members of the AHPE Working Group are drawn from a diverse range of organizations within the health sector which represent nursing, pharmacy, medicine, public health, environmental educators, health-related charities, allied health professions and workers, and health professionals in training.
Composed of dedicated health professionals, academics, and subject matter experts, AHPE brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this much needed space. Members of AHPE include: Alberta Association of Nurses, Alberta College of Family Physicians, Alberta Council for Environmental Education, Alberta Public Health Association, Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment, Canadian Association of Pharmacy for the Environment, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (Alberta Branch), Heart and Stroke Foundation (Alberta), Environmental Health Interest Group of the Calgary Medical Students’ Association, University of Alberta Medical Students’ Association, and University of Alberta Pharmacy Students' Association.
By collaborating across the health sector, AHPE aims to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of both people, animals, and the planet and by uniting the health sector in addressing environmental challenges. This collaboration continues AEN’s long history of connecting environmental groups and passionate individuals, and represents another step towards our vision of a healthy, sustainable Alberta with an influential environmental community and environmentally engaged Albertans at its core. Together, we can make this happen.
We invite you to join us in this crucial effort.
Learn more and sign up to receive AHPE newsletters. If you are a health (or related) professional (or organization) and would like to join the AHPE, please contact [email protected].
With Gratitude,
Natalie Odd
Executive Director of the Alberta Environmental Network
Dr. Norm Campbell, CM MD DSc (hon) FRCPC.
Chair of the Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment
