In this episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with ER physician and climate health advocate Dr. Ethan Sims for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation that connects climate change directly to human health—right here in Idaho and across the globe.

They kick things off with lighthearted “two likes and two dislikes” (including a surprising anti-chocolate stance and a shared love of dogs), before diving into the serious reality that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a healthcare issue.

Dr. Sims shares how a smoky, record-breaking summer sparked his journey into climate advocacy and walks listeners through the many ways climate change is already affecting our bodies. From extreme heat—which doesn’t just cause heat stroke but worsens heart disease, kidney disease, and even increases rates of violence—to intensifying storms that leave long-term mental health scars, this episode unpacks how environmental shifts ripple through every aspect of health.

They explore worsening air quality and the hidden dangers of microscopic pollutants. The conversation also covers the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses into new regions, the growing threat of water scarcity in the Mountain West, and how changing environments may be contributing to the rise in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Beyond the challenges, Dr. Swanson and Dr. Sims highlight solutions—from improving indoor air quality and reducing food waste at home to rethinking healthcare practices that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. They discuss practical changes already making a difference, like switching anesthetic gases, reducing medical waste, and simple energy-saving strategies within hospitals. The episode also touches on innovative (and sometimes imperfect)—emphasizing that there is no single fix, but rather millions of “small buttons” we can all push.

Blending science, personal stories, humor, and actionable insights, this conversation balances honest discussion of risks with a sense of empowerment. The takeaway: while the problem is big, meaningful change starts with awareness, conversation, and everyday action.

Because when it comes to the future of our health—and our planet—we’re choosing hope.

Keywords

Dermatology, climate change, health, environment, wildfire, heat, medical impacts, sustainability, public health, Idaho, global warming, human health, air quality, extreme weather, infectious diseases, regenerative agriculture, cloud seeding, water scarcity, mental health, autoimmune diseases climate change, carbon removal, regenerative farming, seaweed farms, carbon capture, sustainability, environmental solutions, healthcare sustainability, climate tech, individual action

Links, Attachments

What you can do according to Project Drawdown

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:19 2 Likes 2 Dislikes

11:40 How Climate Change Impacts Health

12:57 How Dr. Sims Got Interested in Climate

15:33 Age 47.3 is the Unhappiest?

21:00 Heat, Exposure and Violent Crimes

23:00 Extreme Weather

25:00 Chronic Mental Health Impacts

26:00 Least Vulnerable Places

27:45 Air Quality, Filtration

32:15 Mosquitoborne Illnesses

34:20 Water Scarcity, Desertification

39:00 Cloud Seeding

41:00 Regenerative Agriculture

43:00 Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases

47:22 Carbon Emissions

56:30 Electric Cars

57:00 Action is the Antidote to Despair

01:00:00 Hospital Efforts

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.