Learning Objectives:

George Luber, Ph.D.
Talk Summary: There is scientific consensus that the global climate is changing, with rising surface temperatures, melting ice and snow, rising sea levels, and increasing climate variability. These changes are expected to have substantial impacts on human health. There are known, effective public health responses for many of these impacts, but the scope, timeline, and complexity of climate change are unprecedented.This presentation will outline the potential health consequenses of climate change for the US and propose a public health approach to climate change, based on the essential public health services, that extends to both clinical and population health services and emphasizes the coordination of government agencies (federal, state, and local), academia, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations.

1. To understand the relevant health consequenses of climate change in the United States learning objective
2. To engage in a discussion of the public health approach to climate change by discussing some fundamental guiding principals of such an approach including: concepts of co-benefits and synergy, the precautionary principal, environmental justice, and systems complexity.

Dr. Janet Gamble:
Talk Summary: Weather, climate variability and climate change can affect human health directly and indirectly.  Directly, climate affects the health of Americans and causes significant economic impacts.  Indirectly, climate change can alter or disrupt natural systems, making it possible for various diseases to spread or emerge in areas where they previously had been limited or nonexistent.  This talk will summarize the current burden of climate-sensitive disease determinants and outcomes and will consider public health interventions that could be utilized to protect human health in response to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. The impacts associated with air pollution and aeroallergens will be the special focus of this talk.

1. Describe overall changes in climate anticipated in the U.S.
2. Describe how climate change may specifically impact human health and well-being in the U.S.
3. Be able to outline how public health and healthcare systems may respond to climate change via adaptation or mitigation strategies.

Panel:  Climate Change: Virginia’s Response
Moderator: Secretary L. Preston Bryant
Michele M. Monti, M.S., M.P.H.
Talk Summary: This  presentation will provide a brief review of the potential impacts of climate change on public health in Virginia and an outline of existing programs that will enable Virginia to respond to this challenge.

Michael Town
Talk Summary: This presentation will review the environmental community approach to energy policy & climate change, and why Virginia must act, focusing on efficiency and renewable energy.  Included will be a brief review of how national policy may harm or help Virginia.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the purpose and goals of the Governor's Climate Commission and its potential role in preparing for climate change in Virginia.
2. Identify two VDH programs with the potential to identify and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health in Virginia.
3. Explain the environmental community approach and its potential benefits for enacting policy change related to climate change.

Dr. Elin Gursky:
Talk Summary: Environmental and other exogenous threats,  their affects on populations and new challenges to public health systems

1. Understand the association of climate change and emerging infectious diseases
2. Understand the evolving role of public health to meet new challenges such as climate change
3. Present - and discuss thru Q & A - options and strategies to best position the public health system to address new challenges such as climate change