John Balbus, the federal official in charge of addressing the effects of climate change on public health, has led the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Climate Change and Health Equity since its establishment three years ago. This office was established by President Joe Biden to streamline efforts within the department to address the health effects of climate change.
Balbus has been at the forefront of major initiatives to encourage the health sector to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Despite concerns from environmental health advocates about a potential second Trump presidency leading to cuts in climate programs at HHS, Balbus remains focused on the importance of addressing climate change and its impact on public health.
Some House Democrats have introduced legislation aimed at protecting climate funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Balbus believes that the work his office is doing will speak for itself and continue regardless of political changes. He expressed optimism that efforts to address climate change would continue regardless of who is in charge at the White House.
