2026 MSCCH Climate and Health Impact Awards
Honoring Courage, Community, Equity, and Collective Action in Climate and Health
At the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, we recognize that meaningful progress comes from many hands, diverse voices, and the courage to act in solidarity for health equity and environmental justice. In that spirit, we are pleased to announce the inaugural MSCCH Climate and Health Impact Awards, designed to uplift individuals and organizations whose work embodies the values of justice, partnership, and transformative leadership.
These awards are not competitive honors, but celebrations of contribution. This is a moment to shine a light on those helping to build a healthier, more just future for all. We welcome nominations for others and self-nominations.
Nominations will be evaluated by Consortium staff with support from the Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) team. Awardees will be recognized at the 2026 Our Planet, Our Health reception on February 28.
Nominations are due by January 18, 2026.
Nomination Instructions
The form will instruct you to provide the following information:
- The award category (you may submit more than one form if appropriate)
- The name and contact information of the nominee (or yourself if self-nominating)
- A brief statement (250–500 words) describing the nominee’s contributions, impact, and alignment with the award description
- Optional: links or attachments that showcase the nominee’s work (articles, reports, videos, initiatives, testimonials)
Award Categories
Mona Sarfaty Climate and Health Champion Award
Honoring individuals who demonstrate visionary, principled, and bold leadership in advancing climate and health solutions.
Named after our founder, Dr. Mona Sarfaty, this award celebrates leaders who come forward, especially in challenging environments or inequitable environments, to advocate for communities, elevate health and science in climate decision-making, and inspire others through integrity, compassion, and moral clarity. Honorees embody the responsibility of leadership and help build a healthier, more just world for current and future generations.
Previously awarded to: Dr. John Balbus (2025
The Community Partnership and Impact Award
Honoring a state affiliate member of the Climate and Health State Network (CHSN) that exemplifies shared leadership and deep partnership with communities most impacted by climate change.
This award recognizes a state affiliate that demonstrates what authentic collaboration looks like: building trust, centering community priorities, valuing lived experience, and working alongside – rather than on behalf of – community partners. Honorees advance health equity and climate justice by uplifting local wisdom, supporting community power, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge. Their work reflects the Consortium’s commitment to equitable climate solutions and anti-racist organizing.
Medical Society Trailblazer in Climate and Health Award
Honoring a medical society that has demonstrated leadership and commitment in integrating climate and health equity into its advocacy, education, and organizational priorities.
This award recognizes a medical society that has taken meaningful steps to engage in climate and health work and is actively advancing solutions within its profession and community, regardless of size or history. Honorees may be newly engaged in climate action or in a phase of transformation, but are distinguished by their leadership, initiative, and willingness to move the field forward. Awardees exemplify how professional medical organizations can elevate climate as a core health issue and mobilize clinicians to be advocates for patients, communities, and the future.