Air Pollution, Children’s Asthma, and Healthcare Workers in Climate Action: A Conversation with Dr. de Waal Malefyt
November 10, 2025
About this episode
Welcome to Mind the Planet, a podcast under Climate Junction!
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Stephen de Waal Malefyt, a General Pediatrics doctor at Albany Medical Center who also works in the Environmental Health team. We discuss how the climate crisis is driving unprecedented health impacts in children – especially rising respiratory issues and asthma – along with its growing mental-health effects. We also cover the need for climate-related education for physicians and healthcare workers, among other key topics.
About this show
A podcast that gives you insight on how to protect your mental health amidst the climate crisis. 🌍💙
This podcast is part of Gen Climate Speaks, a project of Climate Junction.
Your host
Vildan Soguktas, founder of Young Women for Planetary Health, founder of EcoRelief, Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia Youth Advisory Board
Guests
Stephen de Waal Malefyt, MD, Albany Medical Center, board-certified pediatrician, Environmental Health team