Environmental Policies: From moldy words to meaningful change

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, Department of Environmental Health Sciences (SL-29), Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St., Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70112-2704, 504-988-7904, mlichtve@tulane.edu

The environment has faced significant challenges in the past decade. A significant but often “silent” contributor to the current state of the environment is the lack of environmental policies, or the inadequate enforcement of those that exist. Hurricane Katrina exemplified both. This presentation will examine key issues of policy that affected the outcome of the hurricane. An analysis of specific examples will illustrate critical decisions and consequences. Discussions will include options for policy implementation. This presentation will also articulate the role of science in assuring sound environmental policy and safeguarding human rights.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to

Recognize issues of policy that affected the outcome of hurricane Katrina.
Articulate the role of environmental policies in disaster preparedness.
Develop options for policy implementation to protect human rights in disaster settings.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Katrina: Through the Lens of Public Health and Human Rights

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA