Center for Climate Health Excellence (CECHE)

The Challenge

Extreme weather events, including flooding, extreme heat, and wildfire smoke, all impact the quality of the air we breathe, the safety of our homes, and water quality, with important impacts on Health. Green infrastructure, including urban tree canopy and gardens, has been shown to reduce adverse health impacts and promote well-being. Yet, like many complex environmental health challenges, implementing nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure, is not always consistent or equally effective in protecting against extreme weather impacts and improving health across all urban communities. New strategies and solutions are needed.

Our Vision

The Center for Climate Health Excellence (CECHE, pronounced SEE-CHEE) at UIC envisions a future where urban communities thrive despite challenges—where science and policy converge to create healthier, more resilient cities. Our work is rooted in transdisciplinary research and data-driven policy development, ensuring that interventions are effective and sustainable.

CECHE: Innovating for a Healthier Future

CECHE at the University of Illinois Chicago is dedicated to understanding and addressing the complex relationship between weather, temperature, heat, humidity, air quality, water quality, built environment, urban infrastructure, and human health. CECHE is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to advance population health in Chicago and beyond.