WCM-Q conference addresses health challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation

Healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and experts from around the world gathered in Doha to explore evidence-based strategies for mitigating the health impacts of climate-related issues. The conference was coordinated by the Division of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).

Titled “Exploring the Nexus of Climate, Health, and Environment” (CHE2025), the two-day conference addressed the intersection of climate change, environmental pollution, and human health, with a strong emphasis on the unique challenges faced by the MENA region. Other areas of focus included sustainable urban planning and healthcare delivery, the food-energy-water-health nexus, and strategies for achieving net-zero emissions in healthcare systems.

Featuring plenary sessions, expert panels, and interactive workshops, CHE2025 offered participants actionable insights to enhance resilience and promote the integration of climate and health in research, policy, and practice.

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, said: “At WCM-Q, we recognize that the health of our communities is deeply connected to the health of our planet. CHE2025 demonstrates our commitment as an institution to bring together regional and global experts to discuss and address the urgent health threats posed by climate change, particularly in the MENA region.”

The conference was directed by Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, a WCM-Q alumnus and associate professor at Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medicine, and medical director at the Center for Health & Nature in Houston, U.S., and Dr. Nasrin Mesaeli, associate professor of biochemistry at WCM-Q, who also served as speakers.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan, chief of cardiovascular medicine and chief academic and scientific officer at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, who also serves as the Herman K. Hellerstein M.D., professor of cardiovascular medicine and director of the Case Cardiovascular Research Institute at Case Western Reserve University, described the global health impacts of climate change and pollution and how environmental stressors contribute to disease patterns. He also evaluated strategies to address environmental challenges in clinical care.

In a panel discussion on regional research priorities for climate, environment, and health, Dr. Al-Kindi, Dr. Rajagopalan, and Dr. Hanadi Al-Thani, manager of sustainability initiatives at Qatar Foundation, identified key climate and health challenges in the region while outlining regional research priorities and opportunities for collaboration and capacity building.

Dr. Al-Kindi said: “Climate change and environmental degradation contribute to a growing burden of disease, straining health systems and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in the MENA region. Unlike other regions, the MENA faces a significant gap in climate-health research, policy integration, and healthcare preparedness, making targeted action and investment crucial.”

Dr. Mesaeli said: “The conference aimed to enhance awareness of the relationship between the environment and human health while promoting regional collaboration and capacity building to ensure the development of effective strategies that provide high-quality patient care with minimal environmental impact.”

Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, vice dean for academic and curricular affairs at WCM-Q, said: “Discussions about climate change are critical. Through this conference, we seek to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and actionable solutions to drive climate-resilient healthcare and communities in the MENA region. We are extremely pleased by the high level of interest expressed by all participants in addressing this global health challenge.”

The conference included national, regional, and international speakers from Houston Methodist; Weill Cornell Medicine; Case Western Reserve University; Harvard Medical School; Massachusetts General Hospital; Texas A&M University; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; University of California San Diego; NYU Grossman School of Medicine; University of Colorado; Qatar Foundation; Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council; the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU); and WCM-Q, among others.

CHE2025 was accredited locally by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions – Accreditation Section and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).