Kevin Cromar Delivers Keynote

Director of Health, Environment, and Policy, Kevin Cromar, delivered a keynote address in Mexico City at a meeting of federal and city officials hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank. His talk, “Bridging Scientific Research and Policy Decisions: Impact of Air Pollution on Health,” highlighted Mexico’s unique air quality and energy challenges and demonstrated how scientific research can provide actionable evidence to guide decision-making. Cromar provided guidance on interpreting scientific evidence in ways that support policy development, using examples such as decisions on installing advanced controls at major coal plants, evaluating refinery desulfurization investments, and strengthening nationwide fuel standards. He emphasized the value of local health studies, the downscaling of global models for national application, and the role of economic analysis in connecting science to effective policy. The keynote underscored Marron’s regional engagement in Latin America and the importance of linking research with practical policymaking at the federal level. This presentation followed a similar training Cromar recently provided to federal officials in Ecuador, further advancing capacity to use health evidence in air quality policy.