Key Impact Points:
- Climate change directly impacts public health, highlighting urgent need for integrated solutions.
- Effective climate policy requires collaboration across political divides, sectors, and communities.
- Translating science into relatable terms is critical for policy success amid misinformation.
Connecting Climate Change and Public Health
In a recent “Ahead of the Curve” discussion hosted by the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Gina McCarthy, former White House National Climate Advisor and EPA Administrator, underscored climate change as a core public health issue.
“Health is so critically important,” she said, “and climate became apparent as a driving factor in health.”
Dean F. DuBois Bowman highlighted the aim of the series:
“We’re focusing on contemporary leaders to learn about their insights, vision and stories of perseverance. Leadership is a critical component of navigating complex health challenges and building a better future.”
McCarthy’s Journey: From Local Advocate to National Leader
McCarthy’s pathway to environmental leadership was shaped by early personal experiences witnessing pollution from textile factories in Massachusetts.
“I grew up fighting and engaging with issues locally,” McCarthy recalled.
Initially uncertain of her career direction, Gina McCarthy found her calling in public health, beginning as a local public health agent before pursuing advanced studies at Tufts University.
“The connection was health,” she emphasized. “It was all about public health, and it kept me going.”
Her unwavering commitment stems from a deep belief in public service:
“To me, public service is it,” she affirmed.
Bridging Political Divides
Working across party lines, McCarthy emphasized the power of relationships and clear communication.
“I worked with six governors—five of them Republicans—and I’m a staunch Democrat,” McCarthy said.
Her approach focused on open dialogue:
“I’d establish personal relationships with Republican colleagues, even when they didn’t agree with me.”
Translating Science for Impact
Addressing today’s challenge of misinformation, Gina McCarthy stressed the importance of clearly communicating scientific facts in human terms.
“I think the important thing from a public health perspective is that you have to do your job on the basis of science,” she said. “But you also have to translate that science in human terms. The reason why I think I’ve been successful in getting some difficult things done is I’ve always focused on what it means for human beings and on the natural resources that we rely on.”
She acknowledged the difficulty of policy-making in a polarized environment:
“You have to put it in clear terms—you won’t win everybody. Nothing is easy when it comes to something that’s really good to do.”
Advancing Climate Action through Collaboration
Looking forward, McCarthy advocates collaboration across government, academia, and private sectors. Her current work with the coalition America is All In seeks to mobilize climate solutions from local to state levels, underscoring sector collaboration as key to effective action.
Gina McCarthy’s advice to future public health leaders:
“Don’t define your path too clearly. Allow room for excitement and growth in your career.”
