[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/UWDW.jpg” caption=”The Upwind Downwind Conference runs from Feb. 25 to 26. “]The health of individuals is directly related to the health of the cities in which they live. Healthy cities and climate change will be the focus of Upwind Downwind, Hamilton's biennial international air quality conference.

This year's conference will feature presentations, a free public lecture and a newly added Clean Air Fair.

“This conference and trade show are important at a time when everyone is beginning to realize that they have to start doing their part in fighting climate change because it offers them a chance to find out what they can do in the immediate, as well as what technologies and products are available right now,” said Brian McCarry, chair, Clean Air Hamilton and Department of Chemistry at McMaster. “What we tend to forget is that climate change is not just about the weather — the things that affect climate change directly affect our health.”

The conference is intended to provide meaningful information on current air quality issues and an opportunity for open discussion between planners, public health officials, policy makers, environmental managers, community groups, non-government organizations, industry, academics and politicians.

The Clean Air Fair offers an exhibition environment where participants will find information on a number of issues surrounding climate change and air quality, including new technologies, practices and products.

For those interested in obesity, city core revitalization efforts, climate change and healthy cities, there will be a free lecture by Gil Penalosa, executive director, Walk and Bike for Life and North American chairman, International Sport and Culture. Penalosa's talk, Walk and Bike for Life, will illustrate through case studies how places like Bogata, Columbia have achieved amazing results through policy changes and new practices.

The conference will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre on Monday, Feb. 25 and Tuesday, Feb. 26. The free lecture by Penalosa will be held at the Convention Centre on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

Upwind Downwind is co-hosted by the City of Hamilton and Clean Air Hamilton. The McMaster Institute of Environment and Health (MIEH) is a major conference sponsor.

“The McMaster Institute of Environment and Health is very pleased to provide organizational assistance with this and it fits with our own research, service and education objectives,” said Bruce Newbold, director of the MIEH.

For more information, please visit www.mcmaster.ca/mieh. The special two-day conference rate for students is $30.