On March 31, 2026, McMaster University will host a hybrid colloquium titled “Living with the Climate Change Consequences: Reshaping the Social Contract”. This event, taking place in the OIA Boardroom and virtually via Zoom, aims to connect researchers who are studying the far-reaching impacts of climate change.
The colloquium is part of the MaGIC initiative and specifically the FORESEE research program, which is a seven-year initiative funded with 9 million euros and hosted at Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA). The session is open to all McMaster faculty, researchers, postdocs, and PhD students, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing insights and strategies.
As climate change continues to reshape our world, it is increasingly recognized as a critical health crisis rather than just an environmental or economic issue. The impacts are particularly pronounced in Africa, where rising temperatures and extended droughts are altering disease patterns and exposing the fragility of health systems designed for stability.
Professor Anthony Ngugi emphasizes that “Climate change adaptation is not a nice-to-have feature of health systems but an essential capability of health security.” This statement highlights the urgent need for health systems to integrate climate adaptation into their planning and investment decisions.
In response to these challenges, Africa is developing health models that are resilient and responsive to climate risks. As the colloquium approaches, it will feature speakers like Marina Johnson-Zafiris, who will discuss her dissertation work on technology and environmental justice.
The event also aligns with the upcoming World Health Summit regional meeting scheduled for April 27-29, which will further address the intersection of health and climate change.
As we prepare for this important discussion, the community is reminded that our resilience in this age of disruption will be defined not by what we promise for tomorrow, but by what we do today, as noted by Professor Ngugi.
With the hybrid format, participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the pressing issues surrounding climate change and its health implications. This event promises to be a vital step in reshaping our collective response to one of the most significant challenges of our time.
