Emergency medicine physicians, researchers, public health leaders, and trainees from across Atlantic Canada gathered at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay, Prince Edward Island, in November 2025 for the AERO Planetary Health Conference, a first-of-its-kind Atlantic meeting focused on the growing impact of climate change on emergency care delivery.

Hosted by the Atlantic Emergency Research Organization (AERO), the three‑day conference brought together experts from Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the University of Prince Edward Island to explore how emergency departments can adapt to climate‑driven health challenges while advancing sustainable, high‑value care.

The conference featured keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and collaborative workshops examining planetary health through the lens of emergency medicine. Key topics included climate resilience, resource stewardship, applying Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations in a climate context, and translating research into policy and clinical practice.

Unique to the conference was its emphasis on collaboration and tangible outcomes. Participants engaged in cross-provincial breakout sessions to develop regional research initiatives, implementation strategies, and commitments aimed at strengthening emergency medicine’s response to climate change.

The program also included a guided hike at Greenwich National Park, a brisk but memorable highlight of the conference.

The AERO Planetary Health Conference marks an important step toward positioning Atlantic Canada as a leader in integrating planetary health principles into emergency medicine practice, education, and research. We are already looking forward to next year’s gathering and continuing this important work together.