Oral

Buildings are responsible for 48% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, the percentage is even greater. Transportation accounts for 27% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, and in many places is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide. Conversely, urban "heat island" effects excerbate heat stress, and housing and transportation infrastructure moderate the health impacts of hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather events. The built environment will be a critical source of energy conservation opportunities, from green, zero carbon buildings to transportation policies designed to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Each of these innovations and policy changes has significant implications for public health. Some could possibly be negative, such as the indoor air problems that arose during the 1970's as a result of "tight" buildings. But many have positive implications for public health, such as the increase in physical activity that results from reductions in personal automobile use and shifting transportation to public transit and active transportation. This session will explore the interactions between the built environment, climate change and human health.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify specific ways the built environment moderates health impacts of extreme heat and extreme weather events 2. Discuss extent of emissions of greenhouse gases related to buildings and transportation sources 3. Identify public health co-benefits of policy solutions to greenhouse gas emissions from built environment