Medical education competency frameworks for climate and planetary health: A scoping review

Introduction

Climate change threatens human health by exacerbating existing health inequities, increasing climate-related illnesses, and disrupting healthcare systems. Preparing future physicians to address these challenges is essential for resilient healthcare systems. While climate health education in medical schools is gaining traction globally, its integration remains inconsistent, with limited consensus on core competencies.

Methods

A systematic search of peer-reviewed and gray literature was conducted across databases including PubMed, ERIC, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required frameworks to address climate or planetary health in medical education and to reflect consensus-level guidance from national or regional bodies. Each framework was thematically assessed for competencies and domains.

Results

12 frameworks met inclusion criteria. Key competencies identified varied among the frameworks and included medical knowledge of climate change’s health impacts, skills in climate-informed clinical practice, advocacy for sustainable healthcare, and addressing health equity. Unique aspects of climate health, such as Indigenous knowledge and environmental justice, appeared in a few frameworks. While foundational knowledge was universally emphasized, domains such as health system sustainability and interprofessional skills were less consistently integrated.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the paucity of globally aligned, evidence-based competency frameworks, especially in the Global South, needed to equip future physicians with the skills to address the health impacts of climate change. Establishing standardized competencies will support consistent education and preparedness among future physicians worldwide. This review reveals a need for standardized frameworks to ensure comprehensive climate-health education across diverse medical education systems. Current frameworks demonstrate progress, yet gaps remain, especially in practical, action-oriented skills and specific competencies for vulnerable populations.