Navigating the Climate Crisis: A Global Roadmap for Nursing Policy and Women’s Reproductive Well-Being
Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, vol.2026-May, no.2, 2026 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026-May Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.3912/ojin.vol31no02man05
- Journal Name: Online Journal of Issues in Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, CINAHL, Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: climate change, environmental health, nursing, planetary health, policy, women’s reproductive health
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Climate change and environmental degradation affect ecosystems and the physiological processes of women’s reproductive systems through complex biological and social mechanisms. Exposure to environmental hazards has been associated with reproductive health problems, including infertility, menstrual irregularities, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Research findings suggest that environmental exposures can cause direct biological damage to women’s reproductive systems and indirect socioeconomic consequences. Increasing evidence indicates that climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of these harmful environmental exposures, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities in women’s reproductive health. This review examines the impacts of climate change and environmental determinants on women’s reproductive health from a nursing and health policy perspective. We synthesize current evidence on key environmental determinants, identify gaps within global frameworks, and propose recommendations for policy integration, clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy. Our review highlights the lack of a comprehensive approach linking environmental and reproductive health, the limited use of gender-sensitive indicators, and the insufficient integration of nursing leadership into environmental health decision-making processes. Nurses play a critical role to strengthen the connection between environmental and reproductive health through risk reduction strategies, community education, and policy advocacy. Strengthening nursing leadership, integrating planetary health concepts into nursing education, and incorporating reproductive health indicators into environmental policies are essential strategies to achieve sustainable and equitable health outcomes for women amid the effects of climate change.