Work

Climate and health education across the state university of New York: An assessment of the largest university system in the United States

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Climate change is one of the largest threats to public health. Health professionals are increasingly interested in and expected to address climate-related health risks, yet education opportunities in this area remain limited. This study evaluates climate and health-related educational offerings within the largest University system in the United States, the State University of New York (SUNY), to assess current availability and identify gaps. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of publicly available programs and course listings related to climate and health across all 64 SUNY campuses. Programs were categorized by degree and program type. Data were analyzed by program, institution, and geographic location. Results: Of 225 identified climate-related programs and courses, only 30 (13.3%) addressed the intersection of climate and health. Climate and health content was concentrated at three institutions, making up >50% of relevant offerings. Community colleges and rural campuses had limited offerings, and several health focused institutions lacked climate-related content entirely. Climate and health education across the SUNY system is limited and unevenly distributed. These disparities reflect broader systemic barriers such as limited faculty expertise, lack of curriculum mandates, and competing academic priorities. Addressing these gaps will require strategic investment in faculty development, interdisciplinary curriculum design, and expanded use of flexible learning formats like online modules and microcredentials. Conclusion: Expanding interdisciplinary climate and health education across the SUNY system promises to strengthen climate resilience, promote equitable access to education, and better prepare New York's health workforce for climate-related health risks.

Source: The Journal of Climate Change and Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.joclim.2026.100682