Existence of the human species depends directly on the health and condition of our planet.  Pollutants contributing to global warming contribute to a wide range of phenomena affecting human health and security.  The consequences of rapidly changing climate are already felt by many of the more vulnerable populations on earth.  Despite the evidence pointing to the gravity and urgency of the threat to health and security posed by global warming, many do not yet perceive these threats to be substantial, and many of those who do are uncertain about what interventions are needed.

This conference will examine the chains of cause and effect that create climate change and consequent threats to human health.  To render these linkages more comprehensible and immediate, climate change will be framed within its direct and indirect threats to health and human rights by integrating perspectives and methods from such disparate disciplines as medicine, law, business, religion, and environmental science.

The conference will conclude by highlighting successful interventions being implemented across the U.S. and other parts of the globe.  By the conference conclusion, health care providers and public health policy framers will understand the range of effective action steps needed for both primary prevention and ameliorating the adverse impacts on human health and human rights due to rapid global climate change.