At this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the climate landscape at Harvard and find ways to plug in during your time in Boston.
Climate change puts everyone at risk; yet many remain unaware of its immediate effects on their lives and how they can contribute to climate action. Clearly communicating the health implications of climate change offers a unique opportunity to bridge the psychological distance that often disconnects people from this global crisis. At the same time, however, it is essential to pair information about risks with actionable solutions, addressing the lack of efficacy that leads many of those worried about climate change to feel helpless and disempowered. Join Katharine Hayhoe as she discusses the pivotal role of health-related climate impacts in engaging and activating people to advocate for a better future for us all.
Join us on Friday, September 29 for "Steps and Scales: Transforming the US Health Sector for Climate Change and Health Equity" featuring Dr. John Balbus, Acting Director of the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. A Whittenberger Lecture hosted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Join us on Friday, September 29 to discuss Climate Change and Health in the Media with Somini Sengupta, International Climate Reporter for The New York Times. A Whittenberger Lecture hosted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The air we breathe has a direct impact on our brain. Mounting evidence links air pollution exposure to increased risk for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Poor air quality — both indoors and outdoors — also profoundly impacts our mental health, increasing risk for anxiety and depression. With the World Health Organization estimating that 99% of the global population is exposed to unhealthy levels of tiny and harmful air pollutants, what can be done to improve air quality and brain health? Our expert panel will break down the latest findings and provide recommendations on policy changes for cleaner air.
With Kathryn Tomsho, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
With Kelton Minor, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Columbia University Data Science Institute, Columbia University
Reception to follow. Last summer, 16 young plaintiffs won a pioneering lawsuit against the state of Montana. Their claim: By failing to consider the climate impact of fossil fuel projects, the state had violated children’s rights to a clean and healthful environment. The lawsuit is represented and supported by the public interest, nonprofit law firm Our Children’s Trust, which has filed a similar case in Hawaii, as well as federal lawsuits. Our panelists, including Julia Olson, executive director and chief legal counsel at Our Children’s Trust, will discuss the novel legal strategy and share insights on new tactics for protecting the planet and our collective health and wellbeing from climate change, drawing on examples from the U.S. and Latin America. Speakers: Kari Nadeau, Chair, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Julia Olson, Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel, Our Children’s Trust Alicia Ely Yamin, Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer on Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Moderator: Christopher Golden, Associate Professor and Director of the Program in Nutrition and Planetary Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
