CoolSeal’s September webinar brought together leading medical voices to discuss how health professionals are organizing, advocating, and educating to protect communities from climate-driven heat risks.
On September 17, 2025, CoolSeal’s Maria Koetter hosted “Health Case for Climate Action: How Medical Experts Are Driving Change” as part of the Cool Communities, Healthy People Webinar Series.
➡️ Watch the full webinar here
About the webinar
With extreme heat now one of the most urgent public health threats, this session explored how the medical community is stepping up to address the crisis — connecting climate science, health advocacy, and on-the-ground action.
Featured speakers:
- Dr. Lisa Patel, Executive Director, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health
- Shelley Mann-Lev, Executive Director, Healthy Climate New Mexico
- Dr. Keisha Callins, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Climate Health Advocate
Together, they shared how health professionals are leading efforts to educate, advocate, and mobilize around the health impacts of extreme heat — turning awareness into meaningful action.
The CoolSeal Initiative
Developed by GuardTop, CoolSeal is a pioneering solution aimed at reducing urban heat through reflective pavement technology. First piloted in Los Angeles, CoolSeal has now expanded to more than 70 million square feet across 23 states and internationally. By reflecting sunlight and lowering surface temperatures, this innovation helps create cooler, safer urban environments that support public health and climate resilience.
Health Impacts of Extreme Heat
Dr. Lisa Patel emphasized that climate change is not only an environmental issue — it’s a health emergency. She outlined the growing risks of heat-related illness, from dehydration and heatstroke to worsening chronic conditions. Vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and outdoor workers face the highest risks.
Dr. Patel urged health professionals to use their trusted voices to raise awareness, advocate for heat resilience policies, and reframe climate change as a direct threat to human health.
Community and Policy Efforts
Shelley Mann-Lev of Healthy Climate New Mexico shared how her state is developing innovative strategies to protect residents from extreme heat. Her organization promotes rapid cooling centers, worker protection laws, and community education initiatives that empower local leaders to act.
She emphasized that local and state policies are critical to effective heat mitigation — and that collaboration between public health experts, policymakers, and communities can save lives.
Personal Stories and Advocacy
Dr. Keisha Callins shared a deeply personal story of loss caused by heat exposure — a stark reminder of the human toll of rising temperatures. Her work in Georgia focuses on equipping clinicians and communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to heat-related illness.
Her message was clear: meaningful change begins when individuals turn personal experience into collective advocacy.
Download the presentation slides:
📄 [Dr. Patel’s Presentation Slides]
📄 [Mann-Lev’s Presentation Slides]
📄 [Dr. Callins’ Presentation Slides]
Learn more about our experts
Dr. Lisa Patel
Executive Director, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health
Dr. Patel is a pediatrician and environmental health leader who advocates for integrating climate action into healthcare practice. Her work mobilizes health professionals nationwide to advance climate-smart policies and protect vulnerable communities.
Dr. Keisha Callins
OB-GYN and Climate Health Advocate, Georgia
Dr. Callins is a practicing physician and public health advocate focused on equity, prevention, and community education. Through her outreach work, she empowers healthcare providers to address the health effects of heat in everyday care.
Shelley Mann-Lev
Executive Director, Healthy Climate New Mexico
Shelley leads statewide efforts to strengthen heat resilience through policy advocacy, education, and cross-sector partnerships. Her team develops tools and resources that help local governments and communities prepare for extreme heat.
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Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities — and protect our planet for generations to come.
