University of Colorado Anschutz – Climate & Health Program

Climate change, recognized by The Lancet as the “biggest global health threat of the 21st century,” is intensifying wildfires, hurricanes, and extreme weather events that degrade air quality, disrupt communities, and lead to widespread illness. These shifts strain the social determinants of health, with climate-related effects resembling an emergency department triage list: heat-induced fainting, respiratory issues from pollution, vector-borne diseases, and trauma from extreme weather events. This course delves into the root causes of climate-driven disasters and equips participants with strategies for disaster response and resilience planning including vulnerability assessments and climate action plans.

Course dates: 2:00–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, October 28, 30, November 2, 2026 (Virtual portion), all day November 7–8, 2026 (In-person portion)

The U.S. healthcare sector accounts for approximately 8.5% of national carbon emissions, making sustainability a critical responsibility and opportunity for today’s healthcare leaders. This course empowers clinicians to understand healthcare’s environmental footprint and apply practical, cost-effective strategies that improve both operational performance and patient health. Participants will explore actionable approaches including energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable clinical practices, environmentally responsible purchasing, and healthier food systems. Emphasis is placed on solutions that align environmental stewardship with financial savings and quality improvement. By positioning clinicians as leaders in sustainability, this course equips healthcare professionals to drive institutional change, reduce emissions, and strengthen their organization’s commitment to community health, resilience, and long-term well-being.

Course Dates: 2:00–5:00 p.m. Mountain Time, May 5, 7 & 10, 2027 (Virtual portion), all day May 16–17, 2027 (In-person portion)