The 2025 International Meeting of the Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health (PBC) explored the pressing theme of “Bidirectional Interactions between Climate and Health.” Hosted by Researcher Center for Infectious Diseases and School of Chemical and Environment Engineering, International University, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This pivotal conference addressed the complex and dynamic challenges linking public health and environmental sustainability, particularly as emerging economies face intense pressures from rapid industrialization and urban growth and provides a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships among international experts while empowering local scientists and trainees. Each topic was selected for its relevance to Vietnam and neighboring countries and overall the conference seeks to inspire actionable strategies to address the global environmental challenges that shape public health outcomes in a rapidly developing world.

With the global production of manufactured goods increasingly concentrated in developing nations, the need for sustainable hazardous waste management and responsible production practices has never been more critical. This conference brought together scientists, engineers, and public health experts to explore solutions across diverse but interrelated fields, fostering dialogue and innovation to tackle issues that impact public health on a global scale. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the environmental costs of healthcare, including a significant carbon footprint and high levels of waste generation, further emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers the environmental implications of medical systems.

Professor Stephania Cormier is the current chair of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health. She is the Associate Vice President of Research and Wiener Endowed Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences at Louisiana State University, and honorary professor in child health at the University of Queensland. Her research focuses on the effect of exposure to environmental factors early in life on the predisposition for respiratory diseases in adults.