The Global Network for Academic Public Health (GNAPH), in collaboration with the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), has concluded its regional Climate and Health Communities of Practice (CoPs), which brought together nearly 90 public health educators across six GNAPH regional associations.
The CoPs were designed as a practice-oriented continuation of the Climate-Ready Classrooms course, creating opportunities for faculty to move from foundational climate and health learning toward practical application of teaching, curriculum development, and institutional change. Through peer exchange, hands-on exercises, and collaborative reflection, participants explored how climate and health concepts could be developed and integrated into existing courses and curricula, while considering regional and institutional contexts.
Over several months, participants engaged in regionally-led sessions focused on climate-health linkages, pedagogical approaches, curriculum and syllabus mapping, community-grounded knowledge, institutional advocacy, and cross-regional learning. The program was intentionally structured to help educators translate ideas into tangible teaching materials and strategies they could adapt within their own institutions.
Course evaluation feedback has demonstrated the value of this applied and collaborative model, with participants consistently reporting that the CoPs helped them identify meaningful opportunities to integrate climate and health into curricula and connect teaching to the competencies students need for public health practice. Participants also emphasized the benefit of learning from colleagues across institutions and contexts, with many describing concrete plans to incorporate climate-health case studies, interdisciplinary approaches, and other changes into their own teaching.
These themes were reflected by Dr. Silvana Bettiol of the University of Tasmania, who shared:
“I really valued being part of the Climate and Health Community of Practice. It was a great opportunity to learn from colleagues across different settings, rethink how climate and health can be integrated into existing teaching, and reflect on how we can move beyond individual teaching changes towards broader curriculum change. I found the practical, collaborative approach particularly useful and came away with ideas I can take directly into my teaching.”
The Communities of Practice were supported by regional faculty leads Dr. Bala Murali Sundram (APACPH), Dr. Sean Patrick (ASPHA), Tara Chen (ASPHER), Dr. John Clements (ASPPH), Dr. Rebecca Patrick (CAPHIA), and Dr. Goutam Sadhu (SEAPHEIN).
GNAPH is grateful to the faculty leads, participating educators, and GCCHE colleagues whose leadership, engagement, and willingness to share experiences made the initiative possible.
While the formal CoP series has concluded, participants expressed strong interest in continued connection, peer exchange, and access to practical teaching resources. GNAPH looks forward to building on this momentum by helping educators remain connected across regions, share approaches and resources, and continue advancing climate and health education within their institutions.