All About Climate Kills Initiative: First Steps Toward Combating Climate Health Crisis

By Evan Nguyen

CKI Chapter Cleanup (2025)

Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a serious public health crisis that impacts everyone. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more uncertain, we are witnessing an alarming trend: the health of our communities is deteriorating. Many people are unaware that climate change is the root cause of various health issues. This is where the Climate Kills Initiative comes in. This student-led organization is committed to addressing the intersection of public health and climate change. In this post, we’ll explore who we are, the problems we are tackling, and how students can join the fight.

Understanding the Problem: Rapid Climate Change

Climate change is evident. According to a recent report, global temperatures have increased by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century. This rise has led to more frequent and severe natural disasters. For instance, in the U.S. alone, natural disasters caused over $300 billion in damages in 2021. However, what many ignore is how these changes impact our health. Poor air quality has become increasingly prevalent, leading to nearly 70,000 additional asthma cases annually in urban cities. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and low-income families, are hit the hardest, facing rising rates of heatstroke and respiratory diseases without recognizing the link to climate change.

There is a critical need for awareness and action, emphasizing that climate change is not merely an environmental concern, but a public health emergency as well. At Climate Kills Initiative, we believe that through education, research, and impactful action, we can fight against these changes and combat health inequities.

Who We Are: The Climate Kills Initiative

Climate Kills Initiative (CKI) aims to empower future student leaders to combat this crisis directly. We believe that anyone can drive change regardless of your age. CKI is about more than just simply learning, but it drives students to engage in meaningful research, advocate for health-protective policies, and even develop projects that assist those already affected by the climate.

CKI has established a 3-step approach that involves research, advocacy, and initiative. Regardless of the program you choose, you will be given the option to work on an individual or group project. Nevertheless, you will be paired with a dedicated program coordinator who will guide and assist you through your whole project. This framework enables our volunteers not just to learn but to actively contribute to the fight against climate-related health issues.

Step One: Research

Research is the first step in our approach. We provide volunteers with the tools to understand climate change and its public health implications. However, you have the freedom to research anything you are passionate about, as long as it aligns with our mission. Whether its air pollution in Los Angeles, or overfishing in San Diego, or even excessive trash at Balboa Park, we are open to all your ideas!

As a Climate Injustice Research, you don't need to have any previous experience at all. Our mentors are equipped with providing you all the information and lessons you need to succeed in your research paper. With CKI, we are sure that you are going to leave with more skills than you came in with.

Step Two: Advocacy

Now, volunteers who are interested in advocacy can work with the research team and choose their topic. This program is the transition from research, to change. Advocacy can take various forms, including social media campaigns and direct outreach to local governments.

We provide the resources for individuals and groups to share their voices, influence public opinion, and gather support. The collective impact can help drive significant change at the local level.

Step Three: Initiative

The Community Enrichment program is in other words the "initiative" stage. This is where students take real-action towards helping their community. Volunteers will learn and work with communities that have already been affected by the climate. That means creating projects that directly assist those suffering from health issues simply because they live in an unhealthy environment.

Volunteers are given the freedom to lead their own projects and work their peers. Any idea is not bad and we consider every single one. Whether you're developing educational resources to vunerable communities or hosting donation drives, your participation makes a difference

Get Involved

Climate Kills Initiative is always accepting passionate individuals into all of our programs. Our website offers detailed information about our programs, volunteer opportunities, and how to apply.

Once accepted, volunteers can expect a nurturing environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. Participants will receive mentorship throughout their projects, and CKI actively promotes networking, allowing them to learn from each other's experiences.

Taking the Next Step

Climate Kills Initiative is more than just an organization, it is a movement driven by students who are dedicated to addressing the public health crisis linked to climate change. Empowering youth to take action is vital for the health of our communities.

Visit our website for more information, and let's unite to tackle climate injustice in healthcare!