Launching CHILL, NYC events recap | 10/8

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Launching CHILL 

The evidence is clear: climate change impacts health. Our healthcare systems contribute to, and worsen, climate change. The repercussions of climate change seep into our individual and collective health both through acute events of supercharged extreme weather events and the chronic impacts of increasingly inhospitable environments. From the ravaging wildfires in Hawaii, the sweltering heatwaves in the Southwest,  to the devastating floods in Vermont, we have witnessed a surge in extreme weather events that have led to health crises for individuals and communities. Public health agencies and healthcare systems have been increasing disaster preparedness and resiliency plans along with advancing sustainability goals but more investment and action is warranted.  

62% of Americans believe climate change is currently impacting their communities according to a recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll. Advocates have long pressed for more resolute action, and we are now seeing a tipping point - a moment where public sentiment, grassroots initiatives, and leadership from the top (including healthcare professionals), are aligning for bolder, unified action.

That is why we started CHILL, the Climate Health Innovation & Learning Lab. CHILL is a hub for clinicians and technologists to catalyze innovations and emerging markets for a climate-adaptive, -resilient, and -sustainable healthcare system. In our upcoming newsletters, we will dive deeper into the intricate dynamics and innovative approaches to protect our health amidst our changing climate. Together we will explore, innovate, and advocate for a future where our healthcare system is part of the solution to our climate challenges.

Deep dive: NYC events recap

In our first deep dive, we want to highlight two events over the past few weeks that brought healthcare and climate leaders together in NYC, and our highlights for those who couldn’t attend.

Climate and Health Connector Event, NY Climate Week [Thursday Sept 21]. Naveen Rao, MD of the Rockefeller Foundation, began with the framing, “Health is the human face of climate change.” This set the stage for thought leadership and proactive strategies at an event co-hosted by Kaiser Permanente, the National Academy of Medicine, and the World Economic Forum. New calls for research and investment at the intersection of climate and health were announced, and exemplified by a notable grant by Kaiser Permanente to explore the climate impacts on health. With voices like Director John Balbus from the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and National Climate Advisor,Ali Zaidi, the conversation pressed the healthcare sector to accelerate action. This event signaled a shift from dialogue to accelerated and tangible action, mobilizing various leaders within healthcare towards a more climate-resilient future.

UN Science Summit, UN General Assembly, [Tuesday Sept 26]. A Greenhealth summit organized by the European Connected Health Alliance (ECHAlliance) and supported by organizations like HLTH and the American Telemedicine Association, convened leaders from Europe, Africa, and the Americas to share strategies for a greener healthcare system. During this meeting, success stories were shared and inspired amplified action towards sustainable healthcare practices and strategies. This collective also emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration in navigating the challenges at the intersection of climate change and health. 

How you can get involved:

Other news

  • Medicine for a Changing Planet is a new resource and organization focused on educating healthcare professionals about clinical competencies in the climate impacts of health. (Medicine for a Changing Planet)

  • Dean Minor of the Stanford School of Medicine articulates the need to focus on the intersection of climate and health (Brunswick Review)

  • The Joint Commission, body that provides hospital accreditation, announced their healthcare sustainability standard. Guidelines are voluntary, for now. (Forbes)

  • White House hosted its first-ever Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities and Releases National Climate Resilience Framework (White House, Watch recording)

  • HHS Launches Climate and Health Outlook Portal to Identify Counties at Risk of Climate-Related Hazards (HHS)

Events & opportunities

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