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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christiana Coggins, MPH, John Fogarty, MD, MPH, and Lucy Boulanger, MD. New Energy Economy, 1569 Wilderness Gate Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505, 505-988-3779, christa@ccoggins.com

For decades scientists have predicted that global warming will lead to a rise in the number of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, heat waves, and droughts. Indeed, in the last few years we have witnessed events that have had unprecedented impacts on human health and human life. In 2002, the World Health Organization estimated that climate change contributes to more than 160,000 deaths each year, and this figure is likely conservative given the intensity of recent storms and events. Across the world, political leaders are calling for immediate action to curb global warming emissions. In the U.S., 15 states are now working on global warming including New Mexico. In New Mexico, New Energy Economy is working with several partner non-profit organizations, including New Mexico Physicians for Social Responsibility and the New Mexico Public Health Association to reduce global warming emissions that will meet the challenge of global warming. We are organizing health care providers and public health officials in New Mexico to work with local legislators and community leaders to promote carbon-reducing policies that will slow global warming. We believe that our experience in New Mexico will provide a model for public health leaders to help develop and promote policies that will significantly reduce emissions at both state and Federal levels.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe four infectious or respiratory disease impacts of global warming; describe two classes of extreme weather event that affects health; and describe four natural or managed systems that are affected by global warming;
• Develop a sample policy plan for adoption by states to contribute to reversal of global warming; and
• Describe examples of state-based sectors that will be affected by policies to reduce carbon emisisons.

Keywords: Climate Change, Environmental Health

Related Web page: www.newenergyeconomy.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered