Jonathan Patz Speaks at Wisconsin's Energy University

Photo of Dr. Jonathan Patz Speaking at the Wisconsin State Capitol in the North Hearing Room for Wisconsin Energy University about the health benefits of clean energy choices.

BY Caitlin Warlick-Short

Wisconsin Energy University 2025, a three-part briefing series at the Wisconsin State Capitol this September, was organized by the Offices of Senator Chris Larson (7th District) and Representative Darrin Madison (10th District) with collaboration support from Healthy Climate Wisconsin. The sessions were designed to provide a grounded, solutions-oriented look at Wisconsin’s energy landscape—past, present, and future. Dr. Jonathan Patz joined for the third session focused on the future of energy in Wisconsin along with Professor Dr. Paul Wilson from UW–Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Dr. Leah Stokes from UC Santa Barbara’s Political Science Department.

Dr. Jonathan Patz focused on the impact of our energy choices on our health and the health opportunities available to Wisconsinites.

"Again and again studies show us that the health benefits outweigh the costs of transitioning to renewable energy sources." - Dr. Jonathan Patz

Below is a summary from of health benefits identified in a 2019 analysis by David Abel and Katya Spear of the air quality and other impacts from 100% In-State clean energy production in Wisconsin. Specifically their study determined this shift would annually save Wisconsinites from:

  • 1,910 Premature deaths

  • 650 Respiratory ER Visits

  • 873,000 Minor Restricted Activity Days

  • 49,000 Respiratory Symptom Cases

  • 34,400 Cases of Asthma Exacerbation

  • 1,580 Cases of Acute Bronchitis

  • 670 Hospital Admissions

  • 650 Heart Attacks

You can learn more about proposed energy and projects engage with the policy process by checking out the Wisconsin Public Safety Commission website.

Caitlin Warlick-Short