Highlights from Our Planet, Our Health Convention

- Robert Feder, MD, CPA Steering Committee

The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health (MSCCH) Our Planet, Our Health Convention was held in Arlington, Virginia from March 28 to February 2. CPA folks who attended included Robin Cooper (Steering Committee, SC), Bob Feder (SC), Liz McLaughlin (SC), Wendy Bernstein, Hina Fuller, Julianna Gwiszcz, Burcin Ikiz, Frances Stewart, and students affiliates from Climate Mental Health Network, Hava Chisti and Allison Su, and likely others we missed, with any apologies extended. The meeting offered an unparalleled opportunity for networking with hundreds of others in the health-climate field, all of whom were exceptionally brilliant, dedicated, and good people. Contacts were made with many mental health professionals who pledged to become new members of CPA, and we look forward to hearing from them soon. CPA is highly regarded and we were acknowledged and praised by members by many attendees. There are growing opportunities to strengthen our alliances and bring our mental health knowledge to the many state affiliate organizations. CPA members are strongly encouraged to be on the lookout for next year’s meeting (likely end of February-early March again) and take part in this unique and worthwhile gathering!


The two main days of the conference were both filled with day-long didactic and work group sessions. Highlights included:

  • Keynote speech by Keya Chatterjee of Free DC;

  • Forums on the changes at the EPA, successful climate actions at community and state levels, the health effects of artificial intelligence and data centers, and health effects of power affordability during heat waves, impacting elections, and much more 

  • Workshops on fundraising with large donors, and mental health aspects of disaster relief (the latter organized and led by Robin Cooper – YAY!);

  • Focus on the power of storytelling in getting with psychiatrist and CPA member, Wendy Bernstein, MD presented her moving story; 

  • Climate Cafés were organized by our partner, Climate Psychology Alliance-North America; Robin led a Climate Café);  

  • Lobbying on Capital Hill talking to Federal Reps and Senators (or their staff members) in their DC offices. Discussions centered on the recent EPA policy changes and their detrimental effects on health, Liz Scott of the American Lung Association did a knock-out job of organizing and training everyone for this. Of the 60 + who participated in the lobbying, CPA members included Wendy Bernstein, Robin Cooper, Bob Feder, and Hina Fullar