Massachusetts leaders, health experts, and community members unite to discuss climate, health, and policy
BOSTON, MA [May 16, 2025] — Boston Children’s Hospital convened Massachusetts policymakers, health professionals, youth advocates, and community leaders for the Climate & Kids’ Health Action Forum — a collaborative event focused on the intersection of climate change, children’s health, and public policy.
The forum spotlighted the Commonwealth’s environmental sustainability priorities and emphasized the urgent need for climate action to protect children’s health. A panel discussion explored solutions to strengthen environmental health, advance health equity, and build a more climate-resilient future for all.
“There is a critical link between climate action and children’s health,” said Kate Lewandowski, Director of Sustainability at Boston Children’s Hospital. “By working together with government leaders and community organizations, we can create meaningful, actionable policies to ensure a healthier, more equitable future.”
The forum featured remarks from Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts Climate Chief; State Representative Christine Barber, the House Chair of Environment and Natural Resources; and an environmental health panel comprised of experts and community leaders. Youth leaders also shared their inspiring calls to action to enact climate change.
"Climate change is a massive threat to public health, but the work being done at Boston Children's Hospital is a great example of what climate action looks like. Their focus on energy efficiency and decarbonization is going to reduce emissions and improve the health and wellness of everyone in the city. I'm thankful for their leadership as they will pave the way for the sustainable, systems-level change that we need to see," said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer.
The event also elevated support for Bill H.2369 — An Act to Ensure Cleaner Air for Communities Overburdened by Outdoor Air Pollution. This legislation combats outdoor air pollution and aims to create clean and healthy environments for children and families across Massachusetts.
“There is a significant intersection between climate and children’s health, and at a time when protections for clean air and clean water are under attack on the federal level, we know that breathing clean air is a matter of life and health,” said Representative Christine Barber. “I filed this bill to improve outdoor air quality, minimize the health risks of traffic proximity, including heart problems, stroke, and asthma, and further the Massachusetts Legislature’s commitment to environmental and health benefits.”
Environmental sustainability is essential to public health. In 2022, Boston Children’s joined the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Sector Climate Pledge, committing to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience. By uniting policymakers, health professionals, community leaders, and youth advocates, we can advance equitable policies and protect children’s health through collective climate action.
Statements of support
No child should have to breathe unsafe air, whether at home, at school, or in their neighborhood. By centering health equity in climate action, we can ensure healthier air for every family in Massachusetts. Together, we’re building a future where clean air isn’t a privilege, but a right.
— Tristan Thomas, Director of Public Policy from Alternatives for Community and Environment
Young people aren’t asking for a lot. We’re asking for breathable air, drinkable water, livable communities, and innovative solutions to the problems that put us all in danger, with intentional equitable care for our marginalized communities who have been and will be affected most.
— Joey Pisani, a student at Suffolk University
Climate change is not political. It is an issue of whether our treatment of this earth is moral and ethical. Adults must pay attention to the detrimental effect that the climate crisis has on today's youth and work together to solve it.
— Amanda Cooper, a senior at Malden Catholic High School