The Climate-Health Connection: Nature’s Role in Protecting People

From Nature is the Solution by The Nature Conservancy

May 12, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

The episode explores the connection between environmental change and public health, highlighting how nature can protect people.

In this final episode of the season, we speak with Senator Bill Frist, Global Board Chair, and Catherine Machalaba, TNC’s first planetary health scientist, to explore how environmental change is becoming a defining public health challenge—and how nature can help protect people. We then travel to Lynn, Massachusetts, to see how the environment is affecting community health. Together, the episode connects local lived experience with global science to show why a healthy planet is essential to healthy people. Host: Kris Sarri, Massachusetts State Director Also featuring: Senator Bill Frist, TNC Global Board Chair; Catherine Machalaba, TNC Planetary Health Scientist; Cardeliz Paez, Ward 5 City Councilor, Lynn; Gargi Cooper, Nurse Practitioner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Kris Sarri

Guests: Senator Bill Frist, Catherine Machalaba

Topics covered

climate change
public health
environmental health
community health
nature's role

Keywords

climate-health connection
environmental change
public health challenge
healthy planet
community health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Nature Conservancy

Places: Lynn, Massachusetts