An investigation of the ways in which public health nutrition policy and practices can address climate change.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a framework to guide action in the public health nutrition workforce to develop policies and practices addressing factors contributing to climate change.


METHODS
Action/consultative research.


METHODS
Interviews - South Australia, questionnaire - Australia.


METHODS
Interviews - key informants (n 6) were from various government, academic and non-government positions, invited through email. Questionnaire - participants were members of the public health nutrition workforce (n 186), recruited to the study through emails from public health nutrition contacts for each State in Australia (with the exception of South Australia).


RESULTS
Support by participants for climate change as a valid role for dietitians and nutritionists was high (78 %). However, climate change was ranked low against other public health nutrition priorities. Support of participants to conduct programmes to address climate change from professional and work organisations was low. The final framework developed included elements of advocacy/lobbying, policy, professional recognition/support, organisational support, knowledge/skills, partnerships and programmes.


CONCLUSIONS
This research demonstrates a need for public health nutrition to address climate change, which requires support by organisations, policy, improved knowledge and increased professional development opportunities.
Sulda
Heidi
H
Southern Primary Health Noarlunga Village, PO Box 437, Noarlunga Centre, South Australia 5168, Australia.
Coveney
John
J
Bentley
Michael
M
D004046:Dietetics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply; D057232:Global Warming; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*; D013021:South Australia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires