Dr. Neha Pathak

Dr. Neha Pathak

• Physician  
• Co-founder, Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action  
• Board Member, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light 

[EJ] Neha

Physician, Co-founder, Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action Board Member, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.

As a physician and founding member of Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action, Neha works to educate health professionals and the public about the risks of climate change and environmental pollution on human health. One of the coalition’s core goals is to address environmental injustice by ensuring that healthcare systems, public health initiatives and environmental policies protect the health of all Georgians.

Unfortunately, Georgia has failed to produce an adequate Regional Haze State Implementation Plan, allowing haze pollution to continue negatively affecting air quality in the state’s natural areas. This same pollution harms the health of nearby communities and those who recreate outdoors, including hikers at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area and Appalachian National Scenic Trail. In addition, Georgia is home to the Okefenokee Swamp, a rare and treasured land with world-famous reflective black swamps and iconic wildlife – all at risk of degradation resulting from haze pollution.

[epa haze region] region 4 map

Sources of Haze Pollution in the Southeast

(Click image to enlarge)

Closer to home, Neha worries about the health of her three children as they visit Georgia’s public lands, specifically the lung-damaging pollution particles that impact their developing bodies. Nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and ozone all contribute to haze and each pollutant can exacerbate asthma and other lung conditions, while fine particulate matter can affect childhood brain development. The negative health effects on vulnerable populations, especially older adults, children, and environmentally overburdened communities, cannot be ignored. For far too long, polluters in Georgia have been allowed to spew dirty air into our communities. To make strides toward cleaner air throughout the state, EPA must hold the state accountable to cut pollution causing hazy skies.