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Climate Change & Sustainability Efforts at West Virginia University

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  • Consumer Affairs study- WV ranked 49th greenest state in 2024
  • Contributing factors:
    • Coal mining
    • Average income
    • Education & Skepticism

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  • In 2022, WV was the 5th largest energy producer in the nation
    • 2nd largest coal producer, 14% of total US coal production
      • Coal fueled 89% of WV’s total electricity generation
    • 4th largest natural gas producer

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  • In 2022, WV was the 2nd poorest state based on median household income
    • Prioritization of convenience, affordability, and employment

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  • This year, WV was ranked 50th in education
    • Only 21.3% of WV residents over age 25 have a Bachelor degree or higher

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Climate Sustainability in WV

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“Almost Heaven”

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NEGATIVES:

  • In 2020, no climate-centered student organizations existed in WVU Health Sciences Center programs (medical, nursing, dental)

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  • Climate change was minimally addressed in medical curriculum

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POSITIVES:

  • WVU HSC Sustainability Coordinator

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  • Specialty tracks
    • Global Health
    • Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine

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Climate Sustainability at WVU

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  • Mission Green
    • Physician organization at WVU

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  • Medical student organization formed in 2021
    • Faculty advisor: Swapna Gayam, MD
      • Email: sgayam@hsc.wvu.edu

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  • Goals:
    • To raise awareness about the health consequences of the climate crisis
    • To improve sustainability efforts within the school of medicine, the hospital system, and the community

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Origin of WVU EnvironMed

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2021-2022

  • Project Blue
    • Repurposing sterilization wrap into sleeping bags
    • Donation of sleeping bags to local homeless shelter
  • Earth Day Fundraiser
    • In benefit of Friends of Deckers Creek

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2022-2023

  • Garden Project
    • Produce donations to Pantry Plus More
  • Pill bottle collection
    • Used in medical supply kits sent to underserved areas
  • Climate Change and Healthcare elective
  • Planetary Health Report Card

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WVU EnvironMed- Successes

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Garden Project

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Climate Change and Healthcare Elective

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2023-2024

  • Advocacy Day
    • 4 students, 1 physician
    • Contacted local environmental organizations to discuss bills
    • Met with and/or distributed folders to 5 legislators
    • Easier than we anticipated!

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WVU EnvironMed- Successes

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  • Curriculum integration
    • Displacement of other topics, lack of comfort in teaching the material

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  • Hospital vs Medical school
    • Lack of communication, no hospital sustainability coordinator, student-led

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  • Budget
    • New organizations allotted $200 annually

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  • Community involvement
    • Attempted Earth Day recycling contest at local schools

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  • Minimal research presence

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  • Declining student interest
    • Reached out to nursing and dental schools for involvement

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WVU EnvironMed- Shortcomings & Obstacles

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2023-2024

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  • Meeting with curriculum committee this summer
    • Climate Resources for Health Education (CRHE)
    • https://climatehealthed.org/
    • Incorporation of climate education into specialty tracks

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WVU EnvironMed- Upcoming

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  • Columbia School of Public Health + Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE)

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    • Organized by organ systems and medical specialties
    • Pre-clinical and clinical
    • Includes learning objectives, slide decks, and PBL facilitator guidelines

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https://climatehealthed.org/

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Contact info:

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Torey Katzmeyer

West Virginia University Class of 2025

tmk00008@mix.wvu.edu

THANK YOU!