Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is already disproportionately affecting the health of the most vulnerable populations. From devastating wildfires and worsening air pollution to increasingly frequent extreme heat waves, Los Angeles is on the front lines of the climate crisis. At the same time, it is home to one of the largest immigrant communities in the United States, where many residents face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.
Throughout our winter quarter course and immersive spring break program, we will explore how climate change intersects with environmental justice and community health. We will connect with scientists, healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, and advocates to examine why climate-related health burdens fall disproportionately on immigrant and low-income communities.
Our journey will extend beyond the city to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Santa Catalina Island, where we will understand firsthand how plastic pollution can affect coastal ecosystems and human health. Through hands-on activities related to microplastic sampling, environmental research, and marine conservation, we will examine how environmental contaminants move through ecosystems and shape the health of coastal communities.
Together, we will ask: Who is most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change? How can cities prepare for a hotter, riskier future while advancing health equity? What roles can healthcare systems, environmental science, and community leadership play in building resilience? Through service, dialogue, and hands-on learning, we will discover how local action can help shape a more equitable and sustainable future. 

Meet the co-leads: 

Martina Basgall