(June 26, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Doctors should use their position as respected members of society to influence behavior in a manner that helps combat climate change, according to personal views published in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some ways you can help reduce your carbon footprint:

•    Whenever possible, walk or bicycle instead of driving.

•    Change all the incandescent light bulbs in your home to compact fluorescents.

•    Be sure your home is maximally insulated.

Professor Mike Gill from the University of Surrey points out that doctors played a major role in influencing behavior changes that led to reduced smoking and better control of the HIV epidemic. He argues that they can do the same for the behavior changes needed to combat climate change.

A controversial issue among doctors is whether the benefits of attending international medical meetings merit the carbon emissions necessary for the trip. While Professor Malcolm Green from Imperial College London believes that such travel should be avoided in favor of teleconferencing, videoconferencing, or web conferencing, Professor James Owen Drife from Leeds General Infirmary argues that this is unrealistic. He says the relative gains in terms of climate change are minuscule and are not worth giving up the inspiration and motivation that can be attained from large numbers of people meeting together in person.

Today's research highlights the role that doctors can play in combating climate change. If they make the right personal changes, advocate to their patients that they should do the same, and campaign for international policy change, they could make a significant difference.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.