Participation
- DATE: 30 October 2026
- TIME: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (EDT, Washington DC, Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago)
- OTHER TIME ZONES: 9:00 - 10.30 horas: Jamaica
- PLATFORM: ZOOM (registration required).
- LANGUAGES: English, Spanish, French
Organize
This technical webinar is organized by PAHO Departament of Social and Enviromental Determinants of Health and PAHO Caribbean Subregional Program.
Context
The Caribbean is among the regions most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes, heat events, flooding, droughts, and climate-sensitive diseases are placing growing pressure on communities and health systems across the region. In response, CARICOM recently endorsed the Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change 2026–2031, developed with technical support from PAHO, providing a strategic framework to strengthen health system resilience and protect population health in the face of a changing climate.
Topics
This webinar will introduce the Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change 2026–2031, highlighting its strategic priorities, expected results, and implementation framework. Participants will gain an understanding of how the Plan supports countries in advancing health-focused climate action and provides a common roadmap for strengthening resilience, reducing vulnerabilities, and promoting healthier, more sustainable development across the Caribbean.
The session will showcase practical country experiences that illustrate key areas of action under the Plan, including climate-informed early warning systems, integrated disease surveillance, air quality and health co-benefits of climate action, governance mechanisms for health and climate change, and approaches to strengthening health system resilience. Through case studies from across the region, participants will learn how countries are translating commitments into concrete actions and identifying opportunities for further progress.
The webinar will also provide a platform for discussion on implementation, partnerships, and financing. Representatives from regional institutions and partner organizations will explore priorities for collaboration, alignment of technical and financial support, and strategies to accelerate delivery of health and climate objectives. Audience engagement and exchange will help identify opportunities for collective action in support of the Plan’s successful implementation.
Agenda
TOPIC
Welcome and opening remarks.
Objectives and expected outcomes of the webinar
Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas. Assistant Director, PAHO
Setting the scene
Regional progress, achievements and remaining challenges in addressing climate change and health
Dr. Daniel Buss. Unit Chief, Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health, PAHO
Introducing the Caribbean Action Plan
Strategic priorities, expected results and implementation framework
Dr. Karen Polson-Edwards. Climate Change and Health advisor, PAHO
Country perspectives on implementation
Discussion: From Commitments to Implementation
Country priorities, opportunities for collaboration and alignment of partner support, followed by audience questions.
MODERATE: Dr. Leah-Mari Richards. Caribbean Subregional Coordination Program, PAHO
Closing reflections and next steps
Dr. Daniel Buss. Unit Chief, Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health, PAHO