IEC 2021 | The Epilepsy Climate Change Consortium

Simona Balestrini, MD, PhD, University College London, London, UK, introduces the Epilepsy Climate Change Consortium, founded at University College London. The consortium is working on various aspects of the relationship between climate change and epilepsy. One such aspect is how the impact of climate change can be minimized by professionals working in the field of epilepsy, such as by reducing travel-related emissions and resources in the lab. Furthermore, as some patients, such as those with certain genetic epilepsies, are sensitive to high temperatures, global warming could increase the risk of life-threatening seizures for such patients. The consortium is therefore also working on preventative strategies for such cases. This interview took place during the 34th International Epilepsy Congress, 2021.