Events
Spring 2026 Climate and Health Lecture Series
January 7 - May 20, 2026
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.
Neurological Impacts of a Changing World – January 7, 2026: 12-1 p.m.
Join Dr. Bret Andrews and Dr. Beth Ann Malow for an engaging session on how climate change affects brain health. We’ll examine links between extreme heat, wildfires and air pollution with neurologic diseases such as stroke, dementia and Parkinson’s. The discussion will highlight disparities impacting vulnerable communities and explore the climate and health benefits of clean energy. Our speakers will also share opportunities for clinician advocacy and institutional action. This lecture offers science-based insights and practical steps to advocate health in a changing world.
Economic Growth, Climate Change and Health – February 4, 2026: 12-1 p.m.
Climate change, economic trends and public health are deeply interconnected. As global temperatures rise and environmental challenges intensify, nations also face slowing economic growth and increasing political polarization. These overlapping dynamics shape health outcomes, influence policy, and affect societal resilience. In this lecture, Dr. Matt Burgess from the University of Wyoming will examine how these forces interact and what they mean for the future of global wellness. The session will offer insights into the complex relationships between climate, economics and health, while exploring pathways toward sustainable and equitable solutions.
Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Disease Risks – March 4, 2026: 12-1 p.m.
Climate change is reshaping patterns of infectious disease, creating new challenges for pediatric health. In this session, Dr. Preeti Jaggi, Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Dr. Shreya Doshi, pediatric infectious diseases fellow at Children’s National Hospital, will explore how environmental shifts exacerbate disease risks and what this means for clinical practice. They will highlight one climate-sensitive infectious disease and introduce a national collaborative focused on reducing the environmental impact of infectious disease care. Learn how the “Sustainabil-ID” initiative is driving research and advocacy to protect children’s health and the planet.
Plastics, Endocrine Disruption and Human Health – April 8, 2026: 12-1 p.m.
Plastics are everywhere, from packaging to medical devices, but their hidden costs to human health are becoming increasingly clear. This session will examine how plastic waste, chemicals and microplastics contribute to endocrine disruption and chronic disease risk. Dr. Leonardo Trasande will highlight the latest research on the health consequences of plastic exposure and discuss actionable strategies to reduce our dependency on plastics for a healthier future.
Choosing Wisely Canada – Climate-conscious Recommendations from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine – May 20, 2026: 12-1 p.m.
Choosing Wisely Canada is the national voice for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in Canada. These practices not only expose patients to potential harm and consume valuable health care resources, but they also contribute to the climate crisis. In this session, we will explore climate-conscious recommendations developed by the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine in partnership with Choosing Wisely Canada. Join Dr. Mathilde Gaudreau Simard to learn how evidence-based strategies can reduce low-value care, improve patient outcomes, and advance planetary health goals within clinical practice.