Johnson & Johnson’s long-standing commitment to climate action is grounded in the knowledge that healthy people need a healthy planet. For the seventh year in a row J&J will be a sponsor of Climate Week NYC, once again highlighting the intersection of climate change and human health on this important global stage.
Ahead of Climate Week NYC 2024, we connected with Paulette Frank, J&J’s Chief Sustainability Officer, to hear more about the company’s commitment to climate action, collaboration and the community-based approach they’re taking to support climate resilient healthcare.
As a long-time sponsor and participant in Climate Week, what are you most excited about for Climate Week NYC 2024?
Climate Week NYC feels especially important to me this year since Health is part of the official program for the first time. I’m inspired by the number of events and meetings taking place throughout the week on a variety of topics related to health – I know I’ll be busy and am planning on bringing my sneakers! This is the 7th consecutive year that J&J will host a session at the Hub Live focused on the intersection of climate and health, and we are also proud to be the first ever Health Program Partner.
The week also feels particularly important because we are coming off another summer of record-breaking heat, with people around the world experiencing climate-related health impacts in many ways. Our session will focus on “Heatwaves and Health,” and I’m looking forward to shining a light on leaders who are strengthening resilience within communities and health systems.
When it comes to the topic of climate and health, what is J&J doing to support communities that are at risk?
J&J has been supporting climate and health solutions for many years. We recognize that we can have a meaningful impact by leveraging both our longstanding commitment to climate action and our deep experience in supporting healthcare workers and community-based patient care.
I’m particularly proud of our collaboration with Americares and Harvard Chan C-CHANGE to bolster climate resilience in free and charitable clinics and community health centers across the U.S. Participating clinics can access an assessment tool to create customized plans to support patients’ health before, during and after climate related events. Our first focus is heat, and this summer over 40 clinics were supported in building heat-health action plans. Each plan includes interventions developed with insights from community health workers, such as setting up call centers to share relevant health information during heatwaves or partnering with community organizations that conduct home wellness checks to monitor patient safety as temperatures rise.
Crystal Decuir, a Chief Nursing Officer from a participating clinic in Louisiana, will join our session at Climate Week to share her experience and insights.
It sounds like collaboration is a key theme for you. What role does collaboration play in your broader climate strategy?
Climate change has been described as a force multiplier, exacerbating many global challenges. I believe that collaboration can be a force multiplier too - a force for good, bringing together diverse points of view and capabilities.
Collaboration is integral to every part of our climate action strategy. For example, for many years we’ve been a member of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), a broad group of companies, NGOs and energy providers working to advance clean energy solutions. To address decarbonization within our own value chain, we work with peers in the pharmaceutical industry on Energize, a platform to support suppliers in transitioning to renewable energy. When it comes to the broader healthcare sector, we are part of the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector, a public-private partnership to address environmental impacts and strengthen resilience.
What outcomes are you hoping to see from Climate Week?
Climate Week is an important convening of practitioners, academics, government representatives and civil society – a time and place where diverse perspectives collide and unexpected solutions emerge. While J&J is clearly focused on climate and health, I also deliberately seek out conversations that are different from my day to day, including topics related to digital technology and the special role women play in climate action. I try to bring an open mind and heart to Climate Week NYC because it should be about learning and finding new possibilities.
Let’s also remember to take this opportunity to celebrate progress. Climate Week serves as a much-needed call for urgent action, but it’s also a moment to reflect on all that we’ve achieved. Seven years ago, J&J was among the few organizations talking about health during Climate Week, and now there is a dedicated health platform with dozens of events and meetings throughout the week. That’s definitely a step forward worth celebrating!