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 and virtually via Zoom. This event is part of the MaGIC initiative and specifically the FORESEE research program, which has received a significant funding of 9 million euros over seven years.
The colloquium aims to connect researchers who are studying the multifaceted consequences of climate change, particularly its impact on health systems. The event is open to all faculty, researchers, postdocs, and PhD students at McMaster University, fostering a collaborative environment for discussing pressing issues.
As climate change increasingly affects health systems globally, the colloquium will feature discussions on how these systems are being redefined. Increasing temperatures and extended droughts are altering disease patterns in Africa, exposing the fragility of health systems that were designed for stability.
Professor Anthony Ngugi, a speaker at the event, emphasizes that “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 integrate climate adaptation into their planning and investment decisions.
In light of the upcoming World Health Summit regional meeting scheduled for April 27-29, the colloquium serves as a timely platform to address these critical issues. The discussions will highlight how Africa is developing health models that are resilient and responsive to climate risks.
Marina Johnson-Zafiris will also present her dissertation work on technology and environmental justice, further enriching the dialogue around the intersection of climate change and health.
As the colloquium approaches, the urgency of the situation becomes increasingly clear. Climate change is not merely an environmental or economic issue; it is now recognized as a critical health crisis that requires immediate action.
Professor Ngugi’s assertion that “our resilience in this age of disruption will be defined not by what we promise for tomorrow, but by what we do today” serves as a rallying cry for all stakeholders involved in health and climate policy.
The event is poised to generate significant discourse on how to reshape the social contract in light of climate change, ensuring that health systems are equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific outcomes of the colloquium, but the anticipation surrounding it reflects a growing recognition of the need for urgent action in the face of climate change.
