Nearly 100 health professionals and public health advocates are set to meet in Washington, D.C., aiming to educate members of Congress on the benefits of investments in clean air, climate change mitigation, and public health protection. This initiative follows the Our Planet, Our Health Climate Action Convention, which gathered leaders committed to a sustainable future.
The American Lung Association, the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, and Physicians for Social Responsibility will host an educational advocacy day. They seek Congressional commitment to maintaining investments made through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In 2021 and 2022, Congress passed these laws as significant investments in clean energy and transportation. These laws support initiatives such as electric school buses and renewable energy production.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association stated: “Unfortunately, we are seeing rising health impacts from catastrophic wildfires, extreme heat and air pollution. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act were passed by Congress to help change this and protect the health of families across the country.”
Lisa Patel from the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health emphasized that healthcare professionals witness climate change's toll daily: "Every day, doctors and nurses are witnessing the devastating toll of climate change—both in our exam rooms and across our communities."
Brian Campbell from Physicians for Social Responsibility highlighted their participation: “Physicians for Social Responsibility is honored to be a part of such an important day with nearly 100 health professionals in the halls of Congress.”
The organizations also circulated a petition signed by nearly 1,000 supporters advocating for continued funding.
