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The negative health effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, climate change mitigation offers great potential for health promotion. In the medical setting, climate change and health issues can be integratedinto counselling of patients in order to promote and protect individual and public health and to possibly pursue other climate- and health-relevant aims. Such "climate-sensitive health counseling" (CSHC) may concern the health impacts of climate change and related measures of health protection, counseling on healthy and climate-friendly lifestyles as well as societal aspects. When integrating CSHC into routine healthcare activities, communication strategies known from health as well as climate change communication can be used, such as patient-centered communication,motivational interviewing and a differentiated and open approach in addressing climate-related feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The report of the Working Group on Climate Change and Health 2022 provides information on the group's activities in the past year. The working group has obtained section status and has 60 members. They have held regular meetings and, among other things, focused on the topic of climate change and health at the DEGAM Congress in Greifswald. The members are also advocating for the integration of the topics of climate change and sustainability into medical education and further training. In addition, measures have been taken to offset the emissions of the DEGAM conference and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of transportation and food supply. The working group has also submitted contributions on climate change and planetary health and has advocated for the dissemination of recommendations for climate-sensitive prescription of inhalable medications. The members are looking forward to new tasks and increasing networking with other sections in the future. [Extracted from the article]