ReEnergize Houston Presents: Climate, Air, Health, and the Media

A forum at the UT Health Science Center hosted on January 19, 2010

Environmental health issues, such as air, water, and food quality are certainly recognized as public health problems throughout our society.  But today, accumulated pollution in the atmosphere poses large and abstract threats largely misunderstood by the public.  Cancers, respiratory illness, developmental risks, and the impacts of climate change threaten communities which are often not equipped with the knowledge or resources to face the problem.

The need for medical and public health professionals to communicate effectively with media has grown increasingly obvious as America has struggled through a protracted debate about healthcare. Pundits and talking heads on both sides of the debate were heard loud-and-clear, while the perspectives of actual healthcare providers were drowned out by the clamor.

Public health institutions and agencies must be prepared for these new, serious public health threats.  ReEnergize Houston was ready to help.

Through a partnership combining the UT Health Science Center, ReEnergize Houston, and the Houston Endowment, this forum and workshop explored these issues and the implications of air pollution and climate change as public health problems.  

The event began with a presentation from Dr. Carl Hacker who discussed the UT School of Public Health’s strengths and weaknesses on sustainability. Having been originally trained as an ecologist, Dr. Hacker encouraged attendees to “think like an ecosystem” and to design the institution’s policies, buildings, and purchasing habits to reflect the patterns of a sustained ecosystem.

Dr. Robert Emery was joined by media specialist Rob Cahill in a discussion on how to interest members of the media in air quality and energy issues. They shared tips on hooking a reporter, as well as solid examples and ideas that public health officials could use to educate the public through media.

The day ended with ReEnergize Texas director Trevor Lovell who unveiled a new working group within the coalition focused on health and media. Still in development at the time of the presentation, this new group would use online tools and media relations professionals to reach out to reporters with new perspectives on air pollution issues.