Climate & Health in the Commonwealth

Healthcare is both deeply affected by climate change and a significant contributor to it.  As one of the largest sectors in the U.S. economy, healthcare generates significant greenhouse‑gas emissions, waste, and resource use. Yet the same systems that drive this footprint also hold enormous potential for change.

By redesigning clinical practice, food services, infrastructure, and policy engagement, health professionals can reduce emissions while improving patient care, safety, and community health.

The VCCA Climate and Health in the Commonwealth Conference brings together health professionals, students, educators, clinicians, and healthcare sustainability leaders from across the region to learn, connect, and advance climate‑ready health systems. Participants will exchange ideas, build partnerships, and identify practical opportunities to prepare a climate‑ready health workforce and create more sustainable, resilient healthcare systems across Virginia.

Featured Panels and Sessions include:

• Sustainability at the Bedside: Clinical Practice and Environmental Health - How can clinicians reduce the environmental impacts o…