During the 2024 CAC Climate Conference on Climate and Human Health, I had the privilege to present my own scientific research on climate warming and its impacts on human health. The conference brought together some of the brightest minds in science and medicine, united in their efforts to address the critical challenges posed by our warming climate.
Among these experts was Dr. Cheryl Holder, a physician and Executive Director of Florida Clinicians for Climate Action, whose powerful presentation left a lasting impression on me and everyone in attendance.
Dr. Cheryl Holder speaks at the 2024 CAC Climate Conference on Climate and Human Health.
Dr. Holder is a passionate advocate for health equity and environmental justice. She brings a unique perspective, bridging the medical and environmental fields to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time.
During her talk, she painted a vivid picture of the real human cost of air pollution, sharing stories like that of Ms. Anna Mae, a 64-year-old African American woman living in Opa-locka, Florida.
Ms. Anna Mae
Despite her best efforts to manage her chronic health conditions, Ms. Anna Mae faces overwhelming challenges because of the poor air quality in her community. Dr. Holder used this story to underscore a sobering reality: for many, climate warming and air pollution are not abstract issues but daily struggles.
A Call to Action
Dr. Holder’s presentation wasn’t just a diagnosis of the problem, it was a roadmap for solutions. She laid out actionable steps that we, as a community, can take to protect our health and our planet. Here are the key takeaways and what we can do right now:
1. Address Health Disparities
Dr. Holder emphasized that low-income and minority communities bear the brunt of air pollution. These neighborhoods often face the highest exposure to pollutants due to proximity to highways, industrial areas, or power plants. Additionally, homes in these areas tend to be older, poorly ventilated, and energy inefficient, which traps pollutants indoors. To make matters worse, these communities often lack the resources to advocate for themselves or access healthcare for pollution-related illnesses.
What can we do as individuals? We can start by supporting programs that help families upgrade their homes for better energy efficiency. This includes weatherproofing, installing better ventilation, and improving insulation, all of which can lower energy bills and reduce indoor air pollution.
What can we do as a community? We can advocate for healthcare access in these neighborhoods, which is equally critical. More clinics and health monitoring programs are needed to provide timely interventions for respiratory issues and other pollution-related health problems.
Finally, we must amplify the voices of these communities in policy discussions, ensuring that environmental justice is at the forefront of decision-making.
2. Transition to Clean Energy
Dr. Holder made it clear that shifting away from fossil fuels is essential for reducing air pollution. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are not only cleaner but also becoming more affordable and accessible. However, transitioning to clean energy requires both community and governmental support.
What can we do as individuals? Individuals can take small but impactful steps by installing solar panels, opting for green energy plans through their utility companies, and supporting local renewable energy projects.
What can we do as a community? Communities can push for utility companies to phase out coal plants and prioritize investments in cleaner energy infrastructure.
On a larger scale, we must advocate for policies that incentivize renewable energy adoption, such as tax breaks for homeowners who install solar panels or subsidies for companies developing innovative clean technologies. By making these changes, we not only improve air quality but also create jobs in the growing clean energy sector.
3. Rethink Transportation
Transportation is a major contributor to air pollution, but as Dr. Holder pointed out, solutions like electric vehicles (EVs), improved public transit, and walkable city designs can make a huge difference. Transitioning to sustainable transportation options is a win-win: it reduces emissions and makes cities more livable.
Transportation is a major contributor to air pollution.
What can we do as individuals? Individuals can start by choosing more sustainable travel options, such as biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transit. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider an EV or hybrid model.
What can we do as a community? On a community level, we need to advocate for investments in mass transit systems that are reliable, affordable, and accessible.
The concept of “15-minute cities,” where essential services are within a short walk or bike ride, is another powerful idea. Cities like London and Rotterdam have also shown the success of low-emission zones, reducing pollution in high-traffic areas. These changes may require upfront investments, but they yield significant benefits for public health and urban quality of life.
4. Embrace Sustainable Agriculture
Dr. Holder shed light on the surprising role agriculture plays in air pollution. Practices like heavy pesticide use, over-fertilization, and industrial livestock farming release harmful emissions into the air. However, sustainable farming techniques can significantly reduce these impacts.
What can we do as individuals? We can support these efforts by choosing to buy from local farms that use eco-friendly methods, such as no-till farming or organic practices. Reducing food waste is another actionable step, buy only what you need and compost what you don’t use.
What can we do as a community? On a broader level, policymakers must incentivize sustainable farming methods, such as offering subsidies for organic farming and penalizing overuse of harmful fertilizers. Small changes in agricultural practices can have a massive impact on reducing air pollution and creating healthier food systems.
5. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but as Dr. Holder pointed out, it’s a critical piece of the puzzle, especially for those in under-resourced housing. Pollutants like dust, mold, and emissions from gas stoves can accumulate indoors, exacerbating health issues like asthma and COPD.
What can we do as individuals? To tackle this, individuals can invest in portable air purifiers and high quality filters, reduce the use of chemical-based cleaners, add live plants and consider transitioning to electric stoves, which produce fewer indoor pollutants than gas models.
What can we do as a community? On a community level, we should advocate for retrofitting programs that provide financial assistance to improve ventilation, insulation, and air filtration in older homes. Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven air quality monitoring systems, can also provide early warnings of dangerous conditions and reduce hospital visits. By focusing on indoor air quality, we can create healthier living environments and prevent long-term health issues.
6. Advocate for Stronger Policies
Dr. Holder emphasized the importance of policy in addressing air pollution at its root. While individual actions are critical, systemic change is needed to hold major polluters accountable and create a cleaner environment for all.
The Florida House of Representatives. (Photo by CD Davidson-Hiers/Florida Phoenix)
What can we do as individuals? Individually, we need to stay informed and actively engage in public forums to urge policymakers to prioritize clean air initiatives and drive meaningful, lasting change.
What can we do as a community? Advocating for stronger policies can include supporting carbon pricing initiatives, such as cap-and-trade systems or carbon taxes, which encourage businesses to lower emissions. Carbon offsets, enabling companies to invest in renewable energy projects to balance their emissions, are another effective tool.
Citizens can also push for stronger air quality regulations, such as those enforced by the Clean Air Act, to ensure companies adhere to pollution limits. Satellite monitoring can play a role in tracking emissions and identifying problem areas.
Moving Forward
Dr. Holder’s talk was more than just a wake-up call, it was a call to action. She made it clear that the fight against air pollution and climate warming requires everyone to play a role, from individuals to entire governments. The solutions she outlined are practical, achievable, and urgent.
As a community, we have the power to make these changes and demand better from our leaders. Whether it’s pushing for cleaner energy, advocating for vulnerable populations, or simply making greener choices in our daily lives, every step matters. The question is: will we act now, or will we wait until it’s too late?
Dr. Holder’s message is clear: the time to act is now. Let’s rise to the challenge.