The health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are present globally. In response, UVA's Environmental Institute is catalyzing research both on Grounds and in the Charlottesville/Albemarle community that may mitigate harm in this area and prevent the healthcare system from indirectly contributing.
Addressing these pressing challenges requires an increase in University research in two pivotal areas: 1) the health risks of climate change; and 2) the capacity & resilience of the healthcare system itself. UVA's EI is launching a series of conversations around this topic through this inaugural Research Workshop.
Research across these themes can improve society's ability to reduce the effects of climate change and facilitate the creation of adaptable communities with robust health systems. Climate and health research can inform effective policies, enhance public awareness, and secure a healthier and more resilient future.
This body of research is inherently interdisciplinary. Researchers interested in this conversation from any discipline (including but not limited to the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, the College, and professional schools) are all encouraged to participate. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge inquiry at the center of climate and health, collaborate with fellow faculty members, foster pan-University partnerships, and network with experts and thought leaders in climate-health research.
Each session will be highly interactive with a concentrated effort to identify research gaps and priorities aligned with UVA’s unique strengths. There will be an opportunity to brainstorm potential proposals for upcoming funding calls from the NIH, EPA, and NSF.
This event is presented by UVA's Environmental Institute in partnership with iTHRIV, UVA's Office of Sustainability, UVA's School of Medicine and UVA's School of Nursing.
Panel presentation playlist available below
AGENDA
1:00 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.: Introduction and Welcome Remarks
1:10 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Panel Discussion on the Health Risks of Climate Change
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Assessing health benefits of climate action: Samantha Ahdoot, Pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of Medical Education; Founder of Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action
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Community health hazard prediction and response: James Lambert, Professor of Engineering Systems & Environment; Director, Center for Risk Management of Engineering Systems
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Mortality and morbidity from climate-related exposures: Robert Davis, Professor, Department of Environmental Science
2:00 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.: Health System Capacity & Resilience Panel Discussion
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Decarbonization of supply chains: Matthew Meyer, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
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Adaptation monitoring and evaluation: Mark Orr, Research Associate Professor, Biocomplexity Institute
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Governance, finance, public health policy: Wendy Novicoff, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Public Health Sciences
2:50 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions: Grant “Brewing” of Research Proposals
