Recent research has shown a clear relationship between the climate crisis and human well-being. Beyond the effects of increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather and climate disasters, the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s 2016 Climate and Health Assessment connects the impacts of climate change to changes in air quality, water-related illness, and food safety, nutrition, and distribution. Health impacts of climate will not be felt evenly around the world – as the report notes, “health hazards related to climate change affects different people and different communities to different degrees.” But the interconnectedness of human and natural systems makes isolating climate-related insecurity and instability in certain areas of the world impracticable. The Biden administration has promised an environmental justice approach to protecting public health and the environment and building resilience to climate change. How can the federal government work with universities and industry to protect human well-being in the face of climate change?

During this meeting GUIRR members and guests considered the importance of advancing research solutions and partnership to address climate equity.

Speakers
Gina McCarthy, White House National Climate Advisor
Jalonne L. White-Newsome, Founder and CEO of Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, LLC
Robert Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University

This meeting is for GUIRR members and invited guests.