The afternoon began with a lunchtime author chat featuring climate scientist Dr. Kate Marvel, PhD, in conversation with Rebecca Weston, JD, CSW, of the Climate Psychology Alliance. Drawing on her book “Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet,” Marvel reflected on how emotions such as wonder, grief, and love can sustain commitment to climate action, reminding the audience that climate work is as much about human connection as it is about science.
The following session, moderated by Dr. Iris Blom, MD, PhD, explored strategies for making health systems more resilient, less polluting, and more just. Dr. Özlem Ergun, PhD, described how disasters like Hurricane Maria exposed the fragility of global supply chains. Dr. Nishaminy Kasbekar, PharmD, shared pharmacy-led approaches to reduce waste, while Jenny McColloch, MBA, MS, highlighted corporate sustainability efforts with community benefits. Dr. Madhury Ray, MD, MPH, emphasized the urgency of migrant-inclusive systems. Across these perspectives, the central lesson was that equity must be the measure of success for both resilience and mitigation.
The final panel of the afternoon marked the launch of The Commonwealth Fund’s State Scorecard on Climate, Health, and Health Care, presented by Melanie Marino, PhD candidate, with Dr. Matthew Eckelman, PhD, moderating. The scorecard provides the first state-by-state assessment of climate risks, environmental exposures, and policy choices affecting health and health systems. Additional speakers expanded on related priorities: Dr. Paul Biddinger, MD, highlighted risk analysis as a foundation for resilience investments; Dr. Manisha Juthani, MD, discussed the role of state health departments; Dr. Umair Shah, MD, MPH, underscored preparedness as a continuous responsibility; and YSPH Senior Fellow Dr. Ashwin Vasan, ScM, MD, PhD, called for bridging urban planning with health equity. Together, their insights pointed to the evidence, policies, and partnerships needed to advance climate-ready, equitable health systems.
In a rousing yet reflective closing fireside chat between acclaimed science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson and moderator Dr. Maya Prabhu, MD, LLB, Robinson asserted that “now is not the time to give up,” imploring participants to continue crafting our collective next chapter that puts humanity on a healthier, more sustainable trajectory.