Oral

The federal government integrates research on climate and global change, funded across thirteen agencies, via the US Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). CCSP is currently laying the foundation for a new strategic plan. As part of this planning, CCSP is seeking a wide range of input to best develop the “building blocks” and future directions of climate change research. These “building blocks” will serve to articulate important future approaches within specific disciplines, such as human health. While these “building blocks” should reflect emerging scientific and programmatic opportunities, they should also respond to the basic needs of relevant decision makers, including public health departments. To reach out to those in the public health field, CCSP has designed this open forum session to hear from research scientists, public health practitioners, and other professionals, engaged in climate change-related research and/or working to help communities prepare for and respond to possible adverse health effects of climate change. A brief introduction on CCSP and activities at the federal level, focusing on human health and climate change, will be followed by a short presentation on CCSP’s report on Effect of Global Change on Human Health. Attendees will also hear from representatives from research and public health fields on addressing this new public health challenge. Following these brief presentations, the majority of this session will be devoted to an interactive discussion focusing on research needs and opportunities and on challenges of preparing the public for the possible effects of climate change.