Events and climate🌏health resources

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Center for Climate, Health and Equity


The text "Now is the time to take action on climate change." Along with images of a woman speaking at a town hall, a woman watering a garden with her child, community members distributing food and supplies after a disaster, and a family standing together as they observe distant wildfire smoke.


It's a new year, John!
 
Here at the Center for Climate, Health and Equity, we’re meeting the challenge of the moment by doubling down on our values, supporting our partners, and providing the public health workforce with opportunities for learning, skill-building and action.
 
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we band together and use our collective power and expertise to fight for climate justice and equitable health outcomes. We need to lift each other up and stave off despair as we witness escalating climate impacts and the dismantling of critical climate and health programs. We can still make incredible progress outside of the federal government, and while APHA will continue to fight against attacks on science and public health [ [link removed] ] , it’s up to all of us to keep this work moving forward. We must push states, cities, corporations and local institutions to act to reduce the worst impacts of the climate crisis.
 
So, what will you do to meet the challenge of the moment? If you’re unsure, we’re here to offer several opportunities for action through the events, programs and resources below. I hope to see you at one of the events very soon!

Sincerely,
Katherine Catalano
she/her/hers
Deputy Director, Center for Climate, Health and Equity
American Public Health Association

Upcoming Events

A rainbow colored banner with the APHA logo that says "APHA's Climate, Health and Equity Summit, Feb. 27-28, 2025"
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APHA invites you to our second annual Climate, Health and Equity Summit, a two-day virtual event bringing together APHA members from across sections and disciplines to explore the intersectionality of climate, health and equity; build community; and advance collaborative work in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future. This Summit provides a platform for learning, collaboration and empowerment.
 
Registration: $40 (members), $50 (non-members). All proceeds support student attendance at APHA’s 2025 Annual Meeting.

Register
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Our Planet, Our Health - 2025 Climate Action Convention

Save the date. Our planet, out health. March 1-4, 2025
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Join APHA and other national partners for this transformative event gathering leaders, experts and educators committed to driving progress toward a healthier, more sustainable and just future.
 
Through a series of dynamic sessions — offered in-person and online — we will examine the state of our planet’s health and the necessary steps to achieve a sustainable future. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge research on the links between ecological drivers and health outcomes, explore strategies for building resilience and equity in the face of climate challenges, and learn how to build capacity for science-informed policymaking.
 
In-person space is limited — secure your spot today!

Register
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Center for Climate, Health & Equity Resources

A Public Health Approach to Building Mental Wellness and Resilience in the Face of the Climate Crisis: Recommendations for Community Groups
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**New APHA Resource**
 
A Public Health Approach to Building Mental Wellness and Resilience in the Face of the Climate Crisis
Rising extreme weather events are worsening anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. With a national shortage of mental health professionals, a public health approach is crucial. This guide offers strategies for community-based, trauma-informed initiatives to strengthen collective resilience against climate-related mental health impacts. Explore and share this resource [ [link removed] ] with your networks.

Building Power with Environmental Justice Communities:
Recommendations for Equitable Grantmaking: APHA, in partnership with the Tallahassee Food Network and Moving Forward Network, created a guide containing strategies and recommendations for community-based organizations to obtain grants for environmental justice. Explore this resource [ [link removed] ] and more on our homepage [ [link removed] ] .

Climate and Health Ambassador Training:
Did you miss the live Climate and Health Training targeted to APHA Affiliates and members? We had close to 250 people join us for the live training on Jan. 22 in partnership with Climate for Health! If you missed it, you can still take the recorded training and receive 3 CE credits. Learn more [ [link removed] ] .

APHA Affiliate Highlight

We’re excited to spotlight the important work APHA Affiliates are doing at the intersection of climate, health, and equity in our newsletter!
 
To kick off this section, we’re featuring the Affiliates involved in the multi-year Cities for Smart Surfaces [ [link removed] ] grant. APHA has provided funding to six Affiliates to partner with community-based organizations, cities and local governments to implement smart surface solutions. Learn more about the work of SCPHA and FPHA below.

SCPHA Advances Equity and Climate Resilience Through Smart Surfaces Initiatives
 
In 2023-2024, the South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) advanced its Smart Surfaces Project by partnering with groups like The Citadel, the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition and Columbia Youth Climate Action Fund. Efforts were focused on reducing energy burdens, supporting clean energy workforce development and exploring cooling solutions. Key actions included hosting focus groups in heat-vulnerable communities, presenting findings at energy meetings and consulting on a pilot study for urban cooling surfaces.
 
SCPHA also collaborated with the South Carolina Solar Council and other organizations to ensure diverse input on climate strategies. Going forward, SCPHA will expand outreach through events, webinars, and by recruiting Smart Surfaces Champions to drive continued progress in climate, health and equity. Learn more [ [link removed] ] .

FPHA Leads Smart Surfaces Efforts to Combat Urban Heat and Promote Health Equity
 
From 2023 to 2024, the Florida Public Health Association (FPHA) advanced climate resilience through Smart Surfaces initiatives. At its July 2024 Annual Conference, FPHA highlighted Jacksonville’s efforts to combat urban heat, manage stormwater and strengthen community resilience. Breakout sessions and advocacy panels fostered discussions on climate, health and actionable strategies.
 
FPHA also presented findings from Jacksonville focus groups and co-hosted a webinar on building resilient communities. Collaborations with the University of Florida and LISC are driving sustainable infrastructure projects, including permeable pavements and septic tank phase-outs to address environmental health disparities.
 
Through education and partnerships, FPHA is championing climate, health and equity efforts across Florida. Learn more [ [link removed] ] .

Partner Updates and Opportunities

ecoAmerica Research: Trump's Victory Sparks Growing Climate Concern
ecoAmerica’s latest American Climate Perspectives Survey reveals a rise in climate concern (72%, up from 67% in June), most notably driven by increases in concern amongst Republicans and Independents. Even among Americans who voted for President Trump, a striking 55% express concern about climate change. And 24% say their concern has increased since the election results were reported. For more on post-election climate perspectives, read the full report [ [link removed] ] .

RWJF Funding opportunity
RWJF offers up to $250,000 for bold projects reimagining land use and zoning to tackle structural racism and advance health equity. Community organizations, researchers, and government entities are encouraged to apply. Submit the letter of intent by Feb. 6. Learn more. [ [link removed] ]

Climate Advocacy Lab: Climate & Health Peer Learning Circle
The Climate & Health Peer Learning Circle is aimed at equipping health professionals with evidence-based advocacy tools and communication strategies to address the critical intersections of climate and health. This program is designed to foster a dynamic community of practice, combining in-person and virtual training, peer coaching and networking opportunities. Find more information and fill out the interest form [ [link removed] ] .

Policy and Other Updates

Share Your Story: The Impact of Federal Executive Orders
APHA is collecting stories on how recent executive orders—specifically federal funding halts and the elimination of DEI initiatives—are affecting communities, organizations, and public health efforts. Your input can help illustrate the real-world consequences of these policy changes. Share your experience and feel free to distribute widely: Submit your story [ [link removed] ] .

construction worker drinking water
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Advocating for Workers safety from Extreme Heat
On Jan. 15, APHA joined 85 leading health organizations in urging OSHA to fast-track a new heat injury and prevention standard to safeguard workers from worsening extreme heat. Alongside this coalition effort, over 800 public comments were submitted by health professionals and advocates in support of stronger protections. Read the press release [ [link removed] ] .

APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity is dedicated to advancing health equity and environmental justice through innovative climate solutions. The center spearheads public health initiatives that drive action on climate change and health, applying a health equity lens to shape policies that address the needs of all communities—regardless of age, geography, race, income, or gender. As the leading voice on the intersection of climate and public health, APHA is committed to fostering meaningful change.

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American Public Health Association
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