Events
2025 Climate and Health Lecture Series
February 19 - May 21, 2025
Virtual and Boise, Idaho
These webinars are part of a lecture series on climate and health hosted by Idaho Clinicians for Climate and Health and St. Luke’s Health System.
February 19, 2025 – Youth Climate Action
Join Dr. Lori Byron for an enlightening lecture on youth climate action. Dr. Byron will discuss the severe impacts of climate change on pediatric health, emphasizing the urgent need for education and collective action. The event will also showcase inspiring testimonies from young activists from the Boise Youth Climate Action Council who are making a difference in their communities. Learn how these passionate youths are tackling climate challenges locally and discover ways to support and amplify their efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and youth leaders dedicated to a sustainable future.
March 12, 2025 – Achieving Energy Independence in a Health Care Setting
Join Alan Heber, Manager of Facilities, Engineering and Energy Management at Gundersen Health System, as he shares the remarkable journey of Gundersen becoming the first health system to achieve energy independence. On October 14, 2014, Gundersen produced more energy than it consumed, thanks to a comprehensive strategy that included efficiency improvements and clean energy projects such as dairy digesters, wind turbines, and geothermal energy. Alan will discuss the strategies and innovations that led to Gundersen’s energy milestone, offering valuable insights into energy management and sustainability.
April 9, 2025 – Climate Change and Farming: Worker Protections and Community Resiliency
Join us for an insightful lecture on the impacts of climate change on the health and safety of farmers, featuring Irene Ruiz and Amanda Blanchet. Irene Ruiz, a dedicated activist, will share her experiences advocating for farmworker protections in extreme heat conditions. Amanda Blanchet, executive director of ICCH and Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, will discuss the broader implications of climate change on agricultural workers’ health. This event will provide valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by farmers and highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to ensure their well-being in a changing climate.
May 21, 2025 – Impacts of Heat on Vulnerable Populations
Join us for an insightful lecture on the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, featuring Dr. Caleb Dresser, a leading expert in climate and health. Dr. Dresser will explore how rising temperatures disproportionately affect young children and the elderly, highlighting the increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. He will discuss strategies for community awareness, mitigation, and preparedness to protect these at-risk groups. This lecture highlights the critical intersection of climate change and public health, and how we can build more resilient communities.