Prof. Allison Squires selected for international policy project on climate change and health

Allison Squires, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, is one of 18 health researchers chosen for a new policy project on climate change and global public health, a joint initiative of the US National Academy of Medicine and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences.

Squires is the only nurse selected to participate in the project. The researchers work in a range of health disciplines, but are united in their interest in tackling climate change, one of the world’s most pressing global health challenges. 

“Nurses are already being impacted by climate change,” said Squires. “They’re seeing it in every aspect of their work in terms of who they’re serving, how they are working, and the conditions. And they are seeing it on a global scale.”

The one-year project, which began in March 2024, was designed for scholars who are interested in engaging with policymakers and translating their research into policy recommendations to benefit society. Through a series of workshops, participants will learn about the policy making process in the US and UK; enable networking with international peers and collaboration to harness the skills, experience, and connections of the group; and work together to propose policy actions that the health research sector could take to address the challenge of climate change.  

“Nurses need to be part of this conversation because we will be on the front lines responding to what is happening with climate change, whether it is disaster response, increased migration, changes in health systems, or moving toward a net-zero sustainable health system,” added Squires. 

The project, “Exploring climate change and health with the next generation of future leaders,” acts upon a commitment made by both the National Academy of Medicine and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences to respond to the climate change emergency and leverage their influence and leadership to effect change and impact on global climate change policies.