Our Planet, Our Health: 2025 Climate Action Convention Agenda

Day 1 – Saturday, March 1

Hopkins Bloomberg Center | 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

Opening Reception (In Person Only)

In honor of Dr. John Balbus

Day 2 – Sunday, March 2

Van Metre Hall – George Mason University Mason Square (Arlington Campus) | 3351 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201

Registration and Breakfast

Welcome and Land Acknowledgment

Theories of Change: Leveraging our Skills as Health Professionals for the Climate+Health Movement

Pedja Stojicic, Executive Director, People Power Health

This session is centered on theories of change to address climate change as a public health crisis and a driver of health inequity and the role that research, education, communication, and capacity-building can play. This session will help participants understand how the skills they bring to climate and health can be woven together to collaborate in an interdisciplinary fashion for impact.

Stories of Self

Anusha Govind, Infectious Disease Physician, UT Southwestern 

Trisha Dalapati, MD-PhD Candidate, Duke University

Zayna Salveter, Associate Consultant, Kimball Sustainable Healthcare

Burcin Ikiz, Founder & Director, EcoNeuro / Chair, The International Neuro Climate Working Group

Neelu Tummala, Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Langone Health

Jo Bjorgaard, Senior Climate & Health Manager, Climate Advocacy Lab; Founder, Rise Climate + Health Collective

Ashley McClure, Physician, Climate Health Now Co-Director

Selected health professionals will present how they began their journey for climate action starting with their existing skills across research, education, communication, and capacity-building. Through this session, participants will learn where they can leverage their skills to address climate change and health inequities.

Break

Identifying and Addressing Misinformation on Climate Science

Moderator: Zach Williams, Associate Director, Environment & Health at Physicians for Social Responsibility

Phil Newell, Communications Co-Chair, Climate Action Against Disinformation

Mario Ariza, Investigative Reporter, Floodlight News

Elizabeth White, Family Medicine Physician, Health Climate Wisconsin

Attendees will learn from those in the field working to address climate misinformation. Speakers will present guidance on effective interventions for misinformation and potential policy solutions.

Opportunities to Integrate Climate and Health Into State and Local Policy

Moderator: Bev Harp, Director of State Affairs, The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health

Adah Crandall, Schools Organizing Manager, Sunrise Movement

Cassidy DiPaola, Communications Director, Fossil Free Media

Courtney Brady, Midwest Deputy Director, Evergreen Action

Health is often absent from policy considerations despite mounting scientific research on the health harms of climate change. This session will identify opportunities to integrate health data into policies to reduce pollution and protect human and planetary health on a local and state level.

Lunch and Keynote Address

Victoria St. Martin, Deputy National Editor, Capital B

Trauma-Informed Approaches for Building Collective Mental Resilience in the Face of the Climate Crisis

Moderator: Katherine Catalano

Lise Van Susteren

Ruben Cantu, Director, Prevention Institute

Jesse Kohler

Attendees will learn how to apply trauma-informed techniques to build individual and community-wide mental resilience to support individual and collective wellness. The session will also recognize the outsized climate-mental health impacts experienced by young people, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities, and the pressures that health professionals face in treating patients during climate disasters.

Break

Critical Research Needs in Climate, Health, and Planetary Health

Moderator: Elizabeth L. Cope, Vice President, Health Systems Improvement, AcademyHealth

Kyle Hill, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe; Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Carlos A. Faerron Guzmán, Senior Advisor, Planetary Health Alliance

Caitlin Rublee, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado

This session will discuss strategies for integrating diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous ways of thinking, into research frameworks.  The session will examine how interdisciplinary research can inform policy solutions to address the Earth crisis and its health impacts. Attendees will also explore strategies for securing funding for interdisciplinary research projects in planetary and climate health.

Education as a Lever for Change: Case Examples From the Field

Moderator: Cecilia Sorensen, Director, Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education

Komal Bajaj, Medical Director of Sustainability/Chief Quality Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals

Gina Friel, DNP, CRNP-PC

Karen Agosto Valentin, Faculty at the Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus – University of Puerto Rico

Husein Moloo

This session will feature research talks submitted by participants. These presentations showcase innovative stories of where individuals are using educational initiatives to build greater awareness of the health impacts of climate and pollution on health.

Why, Where, and How to Publish Your Work in Planetary and Climate Health

Moderator: Marc Futernick, Chairman, Executive Committee, MSCCH; ACEP Representative

Caren Solomon, Deputy Editor, New England Journal of Medicine 

Marcalee Alexander, Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Climate Change and Health Affiliate Faculty University of Colorado School of Medicine, Climate and Health Program

Mary M. McDermott, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Deputy Editor, JAMA

Attendees will gain an understanding of how critical it is to use evidence to drive action in climate and planetary health, to contribute to the published evidence base, and to serve as peer reviewers.  Attendees will develop strategies for improving research visibility by fostering collaborations across academic, policy, and civil society sectors, using innovative approaches to disseminate research findings.  Attendees will gain tips about how to translate their research into manuscripts, submit publications, and undergo the peer review process.  

Organizing on Health Professional Education: Building Bridges Across Diverse Health Specialties

Moderator: Ben Fulgencio-Turner, Director of Climate for Health

Sarah Brown, NYC Health and Hospitals

Beverly Malone, CEO, National League for Nursing

Cheryl Holder, Executive Director, Florida Clinicians for Climate Action

Federally Qualified Community Health Centers Resilience Workshop

Daniel Low, Family Medicine Physician, HealthPoint

Inga Robbins, Attending Cardiologist, Atlanticare Health Services

This session will feature leaders from federally qualified community health centers on strategies they are enacting to improve climate resilience in the face of worsening disasters.

Break

Driving Change: Insights from Social Justice Movements

Moderator: Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica

Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Pastor Emeritus, Providence Missionary Baptist Church

Charlotte Brody, Vice President of Health Initiatives, BlueGreen Alliance

This session examines key strategies and principles derived from historical social justice movements, including the civil rights movement, the labor movement, and youth-led efforts for climate action. Participants will explore how these frameworks can inform and strengthen efforts within the climate and health sectors, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to addressing structural determinants of health.

Implementing Evidence-Based Messaging for Improved Public Understanding of Climate and Health

Nick Seaver, Senior Vice President and Co-Director, Training Programs, Burness

Anna Chen, Senior Associate, Burness

Abby Novinska-Lois, Executive Director, Healthy Climate Wisconsin

Led by Burness, a social impact communications firm, participants will identify existing evidence-based communications resources and practice implementation of these guides as they consider their own communications to patients and the public.

A Public Health Framework for Climate Resilience and Health Equity

Stephenie Lemon

Gill Capper

Neil Muscatiello

Climate change is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. It impacts us all, particularly marginalized communities, children, and other vulnerable groups. Public health and health practitioners play an important role in addressing the local health impacts of climate change. Yet, many in the field struggle with how to meaningfully engage communities to build climate resilience and advance health equity. The Climate and Health Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is revising their 2011 Building Resilience Against Climate Effects framework for public health climate action. The revised framework emphasizes cross-sectoral and community partnership that is impactful and sustainable. This session will highlight the revised BRACE framework and how grantees funded through CDC’s Climate Ready States and Cities Initiative have integrated these concepts into their own work. As health leaders and experts, you will discover your role in addressing the climate crisis and ways forward to community partnerships. Come strengthen your skills in building climate resilience and advancing health equity.

Community-Centered Programs for Education on Climate and Health

Moderator: Stefan Wheat, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

Melanie Haines, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School/ Massachusetts General Hospital

Maria Finnegan, Director, Climate and Health Initiative for Caregivers and Kids (CHICKs), NH Healthy Climate 

Kate Pocock, Clinical Faculty/PA-C, USC Street Medicine 

Elizabeth Rojo, Doctoral Student, Duke University

This session will highlight opportunities for more health professionals to engage at a community level for improved preparedness. The session will uplift stories of initiatives where community-based educational initiatives are identifying their needs and either developing those resources and solutions on their own or in partnership with health organizations.

Harnessing the Power of Narratives to Advance Public Understanding of Climate and Health

Neelu Tummala, Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Langone Health

Jo Bjorgaard, Senior Climate & Health Manager, Climate Advocacy Lab; Founder, Rise Climate + Health Collective

Ashley McClure, Physician, Climate Health Now Co-Director

How can health professionals effectively communicate the value and findings of the worsening health impacts of climate change to the broader public? Attendees will learn the power of data-driven narratives to connect with diverse audiences. This session will equip health professionals with tools to craft compelling, evidence-based stories that foster greater public understanding and action on climate and health.

Break

Collaborating With Frontline Communities

Moderator: Ben Money, Senior Vice President, Population Health, National Association of Community Health Centers

Roishetta Ozane, Vessel Project of Louisiana

Amy Liebman, Migrant Clinician’s Network

Verné Qaanaaq Boerner, APHA Center for Climate, Health and Equity Advisory Board

This session will feature leaders from frontline communities and environmental justice organizations who are directly impacted by climate-related harms. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the lived experiences of communities and explore strategies for effective collaboration between health professionals and those most affected by climate change.

Voices for Change: CHEF Fellowship in Action

Moderator: Shaneeta Johnson, Professor of Surgery, Meharry; Fellowship Director, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health 

Marcus Iwane, Physician in Charge, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Leeward and Mapunapuna Medical Offices; President, ‘Ahahui ‘o nā Kauka, the Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians

Martina Kamaka, MD, FAAFP, NCAPIP

Condessa Curley, MD, MPH, MBA,FAAFP, CHEF

Aisha Harris, Family Medicine Physician, Harris Family Health

Explore the transformative power of leadership and innovation in addressing climate and health equity challenges. This session showcases the work of dynamic Climate and Health Equity Fellows who are driving impactful change in their communities and beyond. Through storytelling, project highlights, and actionable insights, attendees will learn how these fellows are addressing systemic inequities, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering resilience in the face of climate change. Join us to be inspired by their stories, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain practical strategies to advance equity and sustainability in your own sphere of influence.

Day 3 – Monday, March 3

Van Metre Hall – George Mason University Mason Square (Arlington Campus) | 3351 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201

Breakfast

Keynote

Senator Bill Frist, MD, TNC Global Board Chair and Founding Partner of Frist Cressey Ventures

Extreme Heat: Local and State Opportunities

Moderator: Rebecca Shasanmi Ellis

Barrak Alahmad, Research Fellow, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Meghan Richards, Neighborhood Resilience Program Manager

Bruce Lippy, President, The Lippy Group, LLC

This session will identify effective policies and programs at the state and city levels that mitigate heat-related health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as outdoor workers, elderly individuals, and children. Participants will understand the role of academic research and data innovations in mapping heat vulnerability, predicting healthcare needs, and guiding public health interventions during extreme heat events. The session will evaluate community-driven strategies for addressing extreme heat and show examples of cross-sector collaboration to design and support evidence-based, equitable solutions that enhance community resilience to extreme heat.

Catalyzing Collective Action to Decarbonize Healthcare: Now What?

Moderator: Chris Hanley, Director of Grand Climate Challenge, NAM

Emmie Mediate, U.S. Chief Program Officer, Health Care Without Harm & Practice Greenhealth

Robert McLean, President-Emeritus, American College of Physicians, Past-Chair Steering Committee, MSCCH

Elizabeth Schenk, PhD, RN, FAAN Chief Environmental Stewardship Officer – Providence

Neelu Tummala, Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Langone Health

With many healthcare institutions having made pledges to reduce their emissions, local and state-level actions can help ensure that healthcare institutions continue to work toward decarbonization. This session will explore innovative policy solutions at a local and state level that can continue building momentum toward a healthcare sector that is working proactively on sustainability. 

Break

Plastics and Our Health

Moderator: Tulsi Modi, Senior Projects Coordinator, PHA

Jeremy Greene, William H. Welch Professor of Medicine and the History of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University

Hardeep Singh, Professor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

Leo Trasande, Jim G. Hendrick, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Director of the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Daniel Rosenberg

This session will explore the health impacts of plastic pollution, from microplastic exposure to toxins, and its environmental consequences across the plastic life cycle. The session will also review evidence-based policies targeting plastic reduction, assess innovative alternatives, and learn strategies for healthcare professionals and institutions to lead in reducing plastic use and supporting systemic change.

Lunch, Keynote Address, and Exhibitor Tables

The Honorable Heather Mizeur

Advancing Pediatric Health in a Changing Climate

Moderator: Nsedu Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network

Lindsey Burghardt, Harvard University

Shreya Doshi, Children’s National Hospital

Almeta Cooper, Moms Clean Air Force

This session will provide participants with the latest evidence and strategies for addressing the impacts of climate change and pollution on children’s health. Attendees will gain practical tools for effective communication, actionable interventions, and opportunities to engage in efforts to mitigate health risks and promote resilience in pediatric populations.

Break

Building Equity and Resilience: Farmer-Centered Approaches to Policy and Climate Solutions

Moderator: Alexa White

Eloísa Trinidad

DeShawn Blanding, Senior Washington Representative, Food and Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

Dominique O’Connor, Climate Justice Organizer

This session explores the challenges farmers face due to inequitable policies and climate impacts, including health, productivity, and systemic barriers. Through firsthand accounts, it highlights strategies to design inclusive policies, build resilience, and foster collaboration among farmers and medical professionals for science-backed equitable, sustainable outcomes.

Addressing Health Impacts of Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

Abby Novinska-Lois, Executive Director, Healthy Climate Wisconsin

Angelle Bradford

This session will examine the health implications of fossil fuel infrastructure and identify areas where expansion poses potential risks. Participants will explore the efforts of organizations dedicated to protecting communities from these risks and discuss actionable strategies for health professionals to contribute to safeguarding public health in the context of energy development.

Leveraging Evidence to Advance Health Benefits of Sustainable Transportation

Moderator: Liz Scott, Director, Federal Clean Air Advocacy

Anna Ricklin, Health in All Policies Manager, Fairfax County Health Department

Benito Pérez, Policy Director, Transportation for America

Sheila Somashekhar, Purple Line Corridor Coalition, Director, Purple Line Corridor Coalition, UMD National Center for Smart Growth

This session will examine evidence-based strategies for reducing transportation-related pollution through electrification and other innovative approaches. Participants will explore the health benefits of these interventions, evaluate their effectiveness and scalability, and analyze challenges in implementation.

Cross-Sector Action: Collaboration for Solutions

Seema Wadhwa, CEO Net Positive Solutions

Amina Azmat, Manager at Business for Social Responsibility

Amna Khan, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Policy & BICEP Network at Ceres, Inc.

Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles (PSR-LA)

This session will feature private sector leaders and the work they are doing in their industries to mitigate the climate crisis.

Break

Evaluating Challenges to Clean Air and Climate Progress

Moderator: Laura Kate Bender, Assistant Vice President, Nationwide Healthy Air, American Lung Association

Ranjana Bhandari, Executive Director, Liveable Arlington

Kirti Datla, Director of Strategic Legal Advocacy, Earthjustice

Raúl García, Vice President of Policy and Legislation at Earthjustice

This session will explore the evolving legal and policy landscape affecting clean air and climate initiatives. The session will highlight the historical successes of clean air protections built on decades of evidence for improved health and provide strategies for utilizing data and the health professional voice to inform future policy directions.

Harnessing Social Media for Climate and Health Communication

Sarah Madden, Director of Social Media, Sierra Club

James Hadgis, Executive Director, Gas Leaks

This session will provide participants with evidence-based strategies for building a credible online presence, crafting compelling messages on climate and health, and effectively countering misinformation. The session will also emphasize the unique role health professionals play as trusted voices in public communication. Participants will learn how to present scientific evidence in a way that minimizes the risk of misinterpretation, ensuring key context and nuances are conveyed. Practical guidance on collaborating with communication experts to deliver accurate, well-rounded messages will also be included, to build attendee confidence in sharing impactful content on social media platforms.

Empowering Future Leaders: Youth Contributions to Climate and Health

Moderator: Tulsi Modi, Senior Projects Coordinator, PHA

Emin Soguktas, Student, Johns Hopkins University

Jeremy Pivor, Director of Partnerships and Youth Engagement, Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Ursula Gately, Medical Student at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

This session will explore the role of youth-led initiatives in addressing the intersection of climate change and health. Participants will examine the health impacts of climate change, evaluate the outcomes of youth-driven actions, and gain insights into strategies for supporting meaningful engagement in policy and action at various levels.

Effective Communication in Policy Education

Carianne Lee, Director of Climate Policy and Appropriations

Gary Ewart, Chief, ATS Advocacy and Government Relations at American Thoracic Society

Participants will learn about strategies to infuse their expertise as health professionals with effective narratives when participating in policy discussions to educate policymakers about the intersection between climate and health.

Examining Health Equity Considerations in Emerging Climate Strategies

Elizabeth Friedman, MD MPH, Science and Community Action Network

Beto Lugo Martinez

Yukyan Lam, Research Director & Senior Scientist, Tishman Center at The New School

Tonyehn Verkitus, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania

Genevieve Amsalem, Director, Air and Climate Justice Team 

Ileana Navarro, Policy Associate with the Central California Environmental Justice Network

This session will critically evaluate proposed approaches to addressing the climate crisis, including carbon capture and storage and blue hydrogen, through a health equity lens.

Break

Convention Wrap-Up and Call to Action

OPTIONAL Hill Day Meet Up

This is for in-person registrants participating in the optional visits to educate decision-makers.

Day 4 – Tuesday, March 4 Optional In-Person Visits to Congress

Optional visits to educate decision-makers hosted by the American Lung Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health

Hopkins Bloomberg Center | 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

Breakfast

Briefing

State Team Breakouts

Congressional Meetings