From global walkouts and strikes to protests and boycotts, youth climate activists are showing how collective action can drive real change by organizing and mobilizing thousands around bold campaigns. At the same time, help professionals are bringing their expertise and trusted voices to the fight. So how do we bring these groups together to amplify their impact and tackle the complex challenges of climate change more effectively than ever before? On the final episode of "The Organizer's Handbook," guest host Dr. Pedja Stojicic sits down with Dominika Lasota, a youth climate justice activist. Dominika discusses the power of simple messages and building connections with communities on the frontlines of the crisis, explores how youth organizers and health professionals can learn from one another to build a stronger movement, and reflects on her vision for the future. Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/donate-or-become-a-member/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Our music was composed by James Harp.
The climate crisis is calling on health professionals to organize in new ways. Around the world, they're turning that concern into collective action. In the second episode of our fall organizing series, guest host Pedja Stojicic sits down with Shweta Narayan, a trained social worker with over two decades of environmental justice campaigning and advocacy experience. She discusses the scope of the problem, what true solidarity looks like in organizing, and how trust and humility can help health professionals build stronger, more hopeful movements. Referenced in this episode: Cradle to Grave Report: https://climateandhealthalliance.org/cradle-to-grave-the-health-toll-of-fossil-fuels-and-the-imperative-for-a-just-transition-2nd-edition/ Global Community Organizing and Advocacy for Climate and Health (Global COACH) Scholars: https://fxb.harvard.edu/global-coach/ Global Climate and Health Alliance: https://climateandhealthalliance.org/ Doctors for Clean Air: https://doctorsforcleanair.org/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/donate-or-become-a-member/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Our music was composed by James Harp.
As the effects of the climate crisis worsen, more and more health professionals are recognizing that healing their communities also means organizing for change. In the first episode of our new three-part miniseries, host Lisa Patel sits down with Drs. Gaurab Basu and Pedja Stojicic. They are showing what's possible in climate and health organizing, while helping others grow through training and mentorship. Gaurab and Pedja discuss their journeys into this work, the power of building connections, and how we can find hope in collective action. Referenced in this episode: People Power Health: https://www.peoplepowerhealth.org/ What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures: https://www.getitright.earth/ Climate Health Organizing Fellows Program: https://www.healthequity.challiance.org/climate-health-2023-24 Global Community Organizing and Advocacy for Climate and Health (Global COACH) Scholars: https://fxb.harvard.edu/global-coach/ Marshall Ganz's Community Organizing Framework: https://commonslibrary.org/organizing-people-power-change/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/donate-or-become-a-member/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Even in the face of exhausting headlines and deep division, communities are finding ways to care for one another, take bold local action, and imagine new possibilities. From installing solar panels at churches to advancing tribal energy sovereignty, these efforts show that freedom and hope can still be created. Our guest today is Reverend Casey Martinez-Tinnin, a queer pastor and justice advocate. He joins host Dr. Lisa Patel to talk about his journey into climate advocacy, his work with tribal nations and churches building clean energy independence, and the power of hope and authenticity. Referenced in this episode: Grey Snow Sovereign Solutions, LLC - https://greysnow.com/grey-snow-sovereign-solutions-llc/ "See No Stranger" by Valerie Kaur - https://valariekaur.com/books/see-no-stranger/ SunSource - http://www.sunsourceus.com The Landing Spot - https://www.thelandingspot.org/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/donate-or-become-a-member/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. Our music was composed by James Harp.
For the last 15 years, the endangerment finding has been a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy. Now, it and many other crucial protections are under attack. The proposed rollback would undermine mountains of scientific evidence and harm our health. Our guest today is the incomparable Gina McCarthy, who was serving as Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation when the endangerment finding was issued. We're thrilled to have her with us today to tell us more about why the endangerment finding and other regulations are essential to our health and economic well-being and what gives her hope for the path forward. Referenced in this episode: America Is All In: https://www.americaisallin.com/ Endangerment Finding Action Toolkit: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/action-alerts/action-toolkits-defend-the-endangerment-finding/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/donate-or-become-a-member/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Sustainability in healthcare is no longer a distant goal—it's happening now. Across hospitals, health professionals are rethinking long-standing practices to cut waste and make care safer, smarter, and more resilient. On this week's episode, host Lisa Patel sits down with Drs. Preeti Jaggi and Shreya Doshi. Together, they have established "Sustainabil-ID," a collaborative dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within healthcare, with a particular focus on infectious diseases. They discuss their journey into environmental stewardship, how health systems can be doing better, and what health professionals across all specialties can do to support this work. Referenced in this episode: https://academic.oup.com/jpids/article/13/6/306/7675997 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39346657/ If you are interested in joining Sustainabil-ID, please email sustainabilityiddocs@gmail.com. Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here. Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Climate change has become one of the most polarizing issues in American politics. For decades, the conversation has often fallen along party lines, fueled by mistrust, disinformation, and entrenched beliefs. On this week's episode, host Lisa Patel sits down with Bob Inglis, a former U.S. Representative and current executive director of republicEN. They discuss his journey from skeptic to advocate, the importance of finding common ground, and how we create space for real dialogue to move us forward together. Referenced in This Episode RepublicEN Support our work and become a member of the Consortium here. Healthy Climate America is produced by Savannah Martincic. Our podcast consultant is Julie Hantman. Our podcast intern is Isaias Segui. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Extreme heat is a growing threat, and communities need practical solutions. In this episode, guest host Dr. Marc Futernick sits down with Jonathan Parfrey, executive director of Climate Resolve, to talk about a needed but often overlooked solution: cool surfaces. They discuss how cool surfaces can reduce urban heat, improve health outcomes, and deliver real economic and climate benefits. Plus, they explore how health professionals can advocate for these efforts locally. Referenced in This Episode Climate Resolve https://climateresolve.org/ Cool Surfaces in Pacoima https://climateresolve.org/cool-surfaces-in-pacoima/ Urban Heat Island Index for California https://calepa.ca.gov/climate/urban-heat-island-index-for-california/ Shine On Initiative https://climateresolve.org/shine-on-initiative/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Extreme heat is becoming a major threat to pregnant people and their babies. In this episode, guest host Dr. Bruce Bekkar sits down with Dr. Santosh Pandipati, Co-Founder and Chief Health Officer at Lōvu and Founder and President of Silicon Valley Maternal-Fetal Medicine. They discuss the health impacts, the inequities that worsen them, and how health professionals can help through patient care and advocacy. Referenced in this episode: Climate Change Nearly Doubled Pregnancy Heat Risk Days in U.S. https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/pregnancy-heat-risk-days Lōvu https://lovu.health/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Guest host Dr. Neda Frayha sits down with Delaney Nolan, a freelance journalist based in New Orleans, to talk about the critical intersection of extreme heat and housing. They discuss the risks, what solutions are needed, and how health professionals can better support populations who may not have access to the resources they need to stay safe. 'The heat will eat you up': homeless in New Orleans on the hottest days in its history - Delaney Nolan, The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/31/new-orleans-homeless-residents-extreme-heat Southern Solidarity https://southernsolidarity.org/ ProPublica Wet Bulb Map https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/#:~:text=Extreme%20Heat%20and%20Humidity%3A%202040%2D2060 Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
From antidepressants to beta-blockers, common medications can make heat more dangerous. Guest host Dr. Neha Pathak sits down with Dr. Hayley Blackburn to talk about how heat intereacts with common medications, and how providers can better prepare their patients for high temperatures. Washington Post: Heat's Hidden Risk https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2023/schizophrenia-extreme-heat-health-risk/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
Across the country, we're seeing the growing impacts of extreme heat, and workers are among those on the frontlines. As temperatures rise, so do the dangers of heat-related illness, injury, and death on the job. Yet protections often lag behind, leaving millions of indoor and outdoor workers at risk. Guest host Cheryl Holder sits down with Charlotte Brody, a registered nurse and the Vice President of Health Initiatives for the BlueGreen Alliance, and David Michaels, former Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, to talk about the dangers of extreme heat in the workplace, what solutions are needed to protect workers, and why a strong OSHA heat standard is vital. Additional Resources: Week of Action to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat: https://www.heatjusticenow.org/ Checklist For A Model Heat Illness Prevention Rule: https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/resources/checklist-for-a-model-heat-illness-prevention-rule/ Economic Benefits of a Workplace Heat Standard: https://www.bluegreenalliance.org/resources/economic-benefits-of-workplace-heat-standards/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
On the first episode of our Summer Series, Lisa Patel sits down with Marc Futernick, an emergency medicine physician in California (and future Summer Series host!). Listen along as they lay the groundwork on the health harms of extreme heat and what health professionals and patients might need to know as temperatures rise. Referenced this episode: Heat and Learning: Evidence from 21 million PSAT Scores: https://ph.ucla.edu/news-events/news/hot-classrooms-us-negatively-impact-learning Ambient outdoor heat and accelerated epigenetic aging among older adults in the US: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr0616 Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
From Los Angeles to Lahaina, wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity. The destruction is evident: destroyed homes, devastated communities, lives lost. But the health harms firefighters face often go unseen. As firefighters work day in and day out on the frontlines, they expose themselves to chronic health risks that rarely make headlines. At the same time, cuts to fire prevention funding threaten their ability to respond safely and effectively. Host Lisa Patel sits down with Lazo Gitchos, a wildland firefighter and writer for The Nation, to talk about the hidden health risks of firefighting, and the resources crews need to better protect themselves and communities.
Misinformation spreads fast, and we've all witnessed the consequences. Vaccine misinformation, climate denialism, and a host of medical conspiracy theories aren't just fringe ideas anymore; they're all over our social media platforms and in the halls of government. When information moves as quickly as it does in this digital age, how can health professionals use their trusted voice to share the truth? Lisa sits down with John Cook, a senior research fellow at the Melbourne Center for Behavior change, to talk about misinformation and disinformation and what health professionals can do to push back.
Join us for our first ever live episode, recorded at the Consortium's Annual Convention. We'll hear from four storytellers who shared what inspired their journey in climate and health. Listen to the stories of Zayna Salveter, Anusha Govind, Burcin Ikiz, and Trisha Dalapati, and learn more about the power of storytelling to shape climate action.
Host Lisa Patel sits down with Dr. Neil Vora for a conversation on the intersection of climate change and infectious disease. They explore how rising global temperatures and environmental disruption are fueling the emergence and spread of infectious diseases—including the increasing threat of spillover viruses jumping from animals to humans. Learn how nature-based solutions can bridge the gap between climate and health, and why addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation is essential for our health. Referenced this episode: The Lancet: Nature-based solutions are essential for climate and health action https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01599-X/abstract Annals of Internal Medicine: Beyond the Bedside: Pursuing a Nontraditional Career in Medicine https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/ANNALS-24-00765?af=R Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication, and Riya Ghotra is our communication intern. A sincere thank you to Adam Karl for his support in the editing process. Our music was composed by James Harp.
In August 2023, a group of brave young Montanans took a stand for their right to a healthy environment—and they won. Join Lisa as she speaks with Drs. Lori and Rob Byron, who contributed their medical expertise to this landmark case. Together, they delve into the impacts of climate change on Montana, explore how these inspiring youth used their voices in the courtroom, and share how doctors can apply their unique knowledge to advocate for climate action. Referenced this episode: Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate: https://www.montanahphc.org/ Our Children's Trust: https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/ Support our work and become a member of the Consortium by visiting http://bit.ly/member-mscch Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication, and Riya Gohtra is our communication intern. Adam Carl supported the editing process. Original music by James Harp.
In the past eight weeks, we've seen cuts to the federal workforce, a rolling back of environmental protections, and a host of other threats to our democratic institutions. Host Lisa Patel sits down with Daniel Hunter, founder of Choose Democracy, to talk about what a path forward looks like. How do we resist effectively to better protect our communities? What are our next steps? And how do we move from overwhelm to action? Referenced this episode: You can find more resources on Choose Democracy's website: https://choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do/ Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication, and Riya Gohtra is our communication intern. Adam Carl supported the editing process. Original music by James Harp
Climate change isn't just an environmental crisis—it's a national security threat. Today, we're diving into how climate change affects global stability and military preparedness. From extreme weather events to rising infectious diseases, the military has long recognized climate change as a "threat multiplier" with profound geopolitical consequences. Join us as we talk with Sherri Goodman, Senior Fellow at the Wilson Center and Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate & Security. In her new book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security, she explores how military leaders are adapting to a rapidly changing world and why protecting planetary health is essential to protecting national security. Referenced this episode You can read more about Sherri Goodman's book here: https://islandpress.org/books/threat-multiplier#desc Healthy Climate America is produced by Lucy Walker. Our podcast interns are Isaias Segui and Mathilda Tataw. Savannah Martincic is our manager of communication, and Riya Gohtra is our communication intern. Adam Carl supported the editing process. Original music by James Harp.