St. Luke’s and ICCH Present:
2025 Lecture Series on Climate and Health
Health Hazards of Plastics: From Production to Disposal
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - Noon to 1PM MST
Join Dr. Phil Landrigan, a leading expert in environmental health, pediatrician and epidemiologist, for an eye-opening talk on the impacts of plastics on human health. Dr. Landrigan's groundbreaking research on Plastics and Human Health reveals the significant dangers plastics pose throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal. Initially focused on children's health, his research has expanded to highlight planetary-scale threats, including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Learn about the toxic exposures and environmental contamination caused by plastics and the need for sustainable solutions.
Youth Climate Action
Wednesday, Feruary 19, 2025 - Noon to 1PM MST
Join Dr. Lori Byron, Jenny Wolf and Olivia Vesovich for an enlightening lecture on youth climate action. The event will also showcase inspiring testimonies from young activists from the Boise Youth Climate Action Council who are making a difference in their communities. Learn how these passionate youths are tackling climate challenges locally and discover ways to support and amplify their efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts and youth leaders dedicated to a sustainable future.
Achieving Energy Independence in a Health Care Setting
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - Noon to 1PM MST
Join Alan Heber, Manager of Facilities, Engineering and Energy Management at Gundersen Health System, as he shares the remarkable journey of Gundersen becoming the first health system to achieve energy independence. On October 14, 2014, Gundersen produced more energy than it consumed, thanks to a comprehensive strategy that included efficiency improvements and clean energy projects such as dairy digesters, wind turbines, and geothermal energy. Alan, will discuss the strategies and innovations that led to Gundersen's energy milestone, offering valuable insights into energy management and sustainability.
Climate Change and Farming: Worker Protections and Community Resiliency
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - Noon to 1PM MST
Irene Ruiz, a dedicated activist, will share her experiences advocating for farmworker protections in extreme heat conditions. Amanda Blanchet, executive director of ICCH and Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, will discuss the broader implications of climate change on agricultural workers' health. This event will provide valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by farmers and highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to ensure their well-being in a changing climate.
Impacts of Heat on Vulnerable Populations
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 - Noon to 1PM MST
Dr. Caleb Dresser is a leading expert in climate and health at the Harvard C-CHANGE program. Dr. Dresser will explore how rising temperatures disproportionately affect young children and the elderly, highlighting the increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. He will discuss strategies for community awareness, mitigation, and preparedness to protect these at-risk groups. This lecture highlights the critical intersection of climate change and public health, and how we can build more resilient communities.
Past Lecture Series
Watch previous lectures on
St. Luke’s Youtube Channel