CODE GREEN

This fact sheet from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) urges physicians to lead efforts in mitigating climate change, framing it as a critical public health issue. It outlines the health risks of global warming, the feasibility of a low-carbon economy, and the role of carbon pricing, while providing actionable steps for medical professionals to engage in advocacy and personal lifestyle changes.

• Climate change is described as the "biggest global health threat of the 21st century," with a child born in 2011 potentially facing a world 2.2 to 4.8 degrees C warmer by retirement. This warming brings risks of conflict, extreme weather, respiratory disease, vector-borne disease, and malnutrition.
• The world is currently not on track to limit the long-term rise in average global temperature to 2 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, no more than one-third of proven fossil fuel reserves can be consumed before 2050, requiring a transition to a low-carbon path by 2020.
• Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is possible using current technology at costs comparable to conventional energy, with a conversion of global energy supplies achievable within 20-40 years. Such changes offer health co-benefits, such as reduced cardiovascular and respiratory impacts from wind, solar, and hydro power compared to coal, and decreased obesity and CV disease through cardio-commuting.
• The document advocates for substantial carbon pricing and the end of fossil fuel subsidies. It cites British Columbia's carbon tax—which reached $30/tonne CO2 or 7 cents/L of gas—as a successful model that reduced emissions while maintaining economic competitiveness. The text suggests pricing should increase to $100-$200 per tonne of CO2 equivalent to properly account for social costs.
• Physicians are encouraged to act as a link between science and society by presenting on climate change to peers, advocating for the issue using a public health frame to motivate the population, and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, such as depression, worry, and PTSD-like symptoms.

APA

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (n.d.). CODE GREEN. https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1.CAPE_Code_Green_Factsheet.pdf

Chicago

Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. CODE GREEN. n.d. https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1.CAPE_Code_Green_Factsheet.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment |title=CODE GREEN |url=https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1.CAPE_Code_Green_Factsheet.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{canadianassociationofphysiciansfortheenvironmentndcode, author = {{Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment}}, title = {{CODE GREEN}}, institution = {Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment}, url = {https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1.CAPE_Code_Green_Factsheet.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }