On March 31, 2026, a hybrid colloquium titled “Living with the Climate Change Consequences: Reshaping the Social Contract” will take place at the OIA Boardroom, GH 101, and virtually via Zoom. This event is part of the MaGIC initiative and specifically the FORESEE research program, which is a seven-year project funded with 9 million euros and hosted at Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA).
The session aims to connect researchers who are studying the consequences of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration. It is open to all McMaster faculty, researchers, postdocs, and PhD students, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing climate-related challenges.
In a related series of workshops titled “Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change,” speakers will discuss critical topics such as Indigenous environmental leadership. Notably, Marina Johnson-Zafiris will present her dissertation work on technology and environmental justice, further enriching the dialogue on these pressing issues.
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical health crisis, particularly in Africa, where it is redefining disease patterns and vulnerabilities. Increasing temperatures and prolonged droughts are altering the epidemiology of diseases, exposing the fragility of health systems that were designed for stability.
Professor Anthony Ngugi emphasized the necessity of integrating climate adaptation into health systems, stating, “Climate change adaptation is not a nice-to-have feature of health systems but an essential capability of health security.” This statement underscores the urgent need for health systems to evolve in response to climate risks.
As Africa develops health models that are resilient and responsive to climate challenges, the upcoming colloquium will serve as a vital platform for sharing insights and strategies. The World Health Summit regional meeting, scheduled for April 27-29, will further explore these themes, bringing together global leaders to discuss health and climate intersections.
Professor Ngugi also remarked, “Our resilience in this age of disruption will be defined not by what we promise for tomorrow, but by what we do today.” This call to action highlights the immediate need for effective responses to climate change and its implications for public health.
As the colloquium approaches, the anticipation builds among participants eager to engage in meaningful discussions that could shape future health policies in the context of climate change. Details remain unconfirmed regarding additional speakers and topics to be covered during the event.
