Climate and Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Climate Medicine Celebration
Written by Becca Schjodt
Jan 30, 2025
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, 20 guests came together to celebrate the establishment of the Climate and Health Foundation Endowed Chair in Climate Medicine within the University of Colorado School of Medicine. This faculty chair, made possible by the generosity of the Climate and Health Foundation, is a significant achievement for the intersection of climate health and medicine as it is the first of its kind in the country.
Resources from this endowment will support teaching and research that prepares physicians to be leaders in climate and health, synthesize earth science with social vulnerabilities, understand energy policy, climate-resilient policies and environmental justice and seek out and lead opportunities to decarbonize health systems.
Jay Lemery, MD, professor of emergency medicine, chief of the Section of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine and co-founder of the CU School of Medicine’s Program on Climate & Health, was named the inaugural chair holder.
“We’re here tonight to celebrate a momentous occasion that will have a lasting impact on the future of medicine and our world,” said Scott Arthur, Vice Chancellor of Advancement at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
“It’s no secret that environmental changes affect health,” agreed Richard Zane, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “Through this endowed chair and the work of Dr. Lemery, we will be at the forefront of efforts to ensure our healthcare systems rise to the challenge of meeting these pressing needs.”
Dr. Lemery described for guests the inspiring impact philanthropy will have in climate medicine through the work of this chair and discussed his vision for the future of the field. Representatives of the Climate Health Foundation then shared their excitement for this milestone and their hopes for what it will make possible for climate medicine in Colorado and beyond.
The special celebration closed with a toast and the presentation of honorary medallions to Dr. Lemery and the Climate Health Foundation.
