Working Groups

Medical Working Group 2

MWG2 Goals Include:

• Increase participation nationally and globally of medical schools
• Grow access to expertise (student, faculty) for curricular development
• Understand gaps and currently available resources for UME/GME and work to address those gaps

MWG2 Co-chairs:

• Stefan Wheat
• James Bevan
• Barb Erny 
• Savita Potarazu

Medical Working Group 3

MWG3 Goals Include:

• Increasing awareness of the importance of climate change and health education within medical school, residency and fellowship programs and medical organizations through the following methods:
• Recognizing gaps in medical education on climate change and health, as well as, focusing on ensuring institutions recognize the importance of incorporating climate change curriculum to train the current and next generation of medical professionals 
• Submitting to journals and conferences on the topic of why climate and health curriculum is necessary.
• Encourage organizations focused on medical education to join the GCCHE and commit to being leaders in climate change and health education.

MWG3 Co-Chairs:

• Sheetal Khedkar Rao, MD
• Japhia Jayasingh Ramkumar, MD
• Sadhana Dharmapuri, MD

Contact: Nico Hamacher, nph2115@cumc.columbia.edu

Global Nurses Working Group Vision

• Create evidence-based and peer-reviewed educational resources which align with current planetary health frameworks, competencies, and best practices. 
• Create evidence-based, continuing education opportunities specific to the field of nursing.
• Engage students and faculty in the creation of educational resources for a climate-ready health sector. 

The Global Nurses Working Group (GNWG) is a team of nurses from around the world who are working together to create resources to uplift and amplify the current Climate Resources for Health Education. The GNWG Learning Objectives Team Members are hard at work developing learning objectives for our Population-Focused Educational Work Groups.  There are currently 5 teams of nurses representing Adults, Basic Climate Change 101; Community (Public Health/School Nursing); Health Care Systems, Pediatrics, and Sustainable Actions. Each team is creating learning objectives for nurses at all levels of nursing preparation (Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD) addressing the topics of Air Pollution, Extreme Weather Events/Disasters (Wildfires, Hurricanes, Flooding), Food and Water Security, Heat, Mental Health, Pollution (Soil, Water, Waste), and Vector-Borne Diseases. The learning objectives are evidenced-based and will be further utilized in the future development of Case Studies and Slide Decks for the Nursing Climate Resources for Health Education. If you would like to be a part of this novel endeavor, please reach out to Gina Friel, DNP, CRNP-PC at gf2492@cumc.columbia.edu for more information on how you can become involved.

The Public Health working group aims to increase the knowledge and engagement of public health professionals around the effects of climate and the environment on the health and wellbeing of communities around the world. Specifically, through topic based sub-working groups, will provide continuing education for public health practitioners and opportunities for meaningful engagement across sectors and geographies.  

We will emphasize practical, actionable skills and interventions (e.g., integrating climate and health into existing health initiatives, conducting vulnerability assessments, developing adaptation plans) aimed at addressing/managing the health impacts of climate change.

Using the expertise, insight, knowledge, and energy of the members of the PHWG, we will determine the best ways of reaching our target audiences, which are the most important topics to cover, and what skills should be emphasized. Join us!

Contact: Nico Hamacher, nph2115@cumc.columbia.edu

The Neuro Climate Working Group (NCWG) is a global interdisciplinary team of experts committed to addressing the impacts of climate change on brain health. Our group includes scientists, clinicians, public policy experts, and advocates, all working together to understand and mitigate how environmental changes affect neurological and mental well-being. Our mission focuses on advancing research, advocating for informed policy, and fostering public awareness to improve brain health outcomes worldwide.

We plan to enhance our initiatives with new research publications, educational webinars, policy development, and community outreach programs. These efforts aim to broaden our understanding and spur actions that safeguard brain health against the effects of climate change.

If you are interested in contributing to our work or want to learn more about the NCWG, please contact Burcin Ikiz, PhD, the Chair of the Working Group, at burcinikiz@gmail.com."

Welcome to the Veterinary Medicine Working Group, supported by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). Our mission is to develop resources, frameworks, and guidelines to integrate the critical issues of climate change and planetary health into the veterinary medical curriculum. By equipping veterinary professionals with the knowledge and skills to address the interconnected challenges of environmental health, animal welfare, and public health, we aim to foster a new generation of veterinarians who are prepared to lead in an era of global change.

Our Vision:

To create a comprehensive, evidence-based resources that empower educators to incorporate the impacts of climate change on animal health, public health, and the environment, while promoting sustainable practices within veterinary education and practice.

Our focus areas:

• Integrating Climate Change into the Curriculum: Develop educational resources, that integrate the science of climate change and planetary health into veterinary training programs.
• Fostering Sustainable Veterinary Practices: Equip veterinary educators and students with the knowledge and tools to reduce their ecological footprint and implement sustainable, climate-conscious practices in their everyday work.
• Enhancing Professional Development: Provide ongoing learning opportunities that help veterinary professionals and educators stay informed on the latest research and trends in climate change, environmental health, and their implications for the veterinary field.
• Encouraging Interprofessional Collaboration: Build partnerships between veterinary colleges and other health professional organizations to address the global challenges of climate change on planetary health through education and action.

Get Involved:

The success of this working group relies on the collaboration of educators, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers who are passionate about addressing climate change in veterinary medicine. Whether you're a member of the veterinary community or an advocate for environmental sustainability, we invite you to contribute your expertise and perspectives to this important initiative. Together, we can prepare veterinarians to tackle the challenges of a changing world.

Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine by integrating climate change and planetary health into the core of veterinary education and practice.

Contact Us:

To learn more, share your insights, or collaborate with us, please contact us and join here.