Bruce Bekkar, MD Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Dr. Bruce Bekkar is a women’s health physician and international keynote speaker who has dedicated his career to addressing the intersection of climate change and public health. After practicing obstetrics and gynecology for over two decades in San Diego, he shifted his focus in 2007 to confront the growing climate crisis. This transition was sparked by a pivotal moment when he read an article detailing the urgent need for unprecedented action against climate change. Motivated by this, Dr. Bekkar made significant lifestyle changes and began actively participating in local sustainability initiatives, eventually becoming chairman of Del Mar’s Sustainability Advisory Board. Dr. Bekkar has since become a prominent voice in climate and health advocacy. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Climate Change and Health and holds leadership roles with ecoAmerica, including as a Fellow and member of the Leadership Circle Executive Committee. His expertise has been sought by diverse audiences, from the American Meteorological Society to Harvard Medical School, and he has addressed policymakers at the California State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2020, Dr. Bekkar co-authored a landmark study published in JAMA Network Open, which was the first large-scale review examining the association between air pollution, heat exposure, and adverse birth outcomes in the United States. This work underscores his commitment to highlighting how environmental factors directly impact vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children. Beyond his research and speaking engagements, Dr. Bekkar co-hosts the podcast "Green Docs," which explores the connections between women's health, pregnancy outcomes, and environmental issues. He also contributes to local and regional climate initiatives, serving as a public health consultant for the County of San Diego's Regional Decarbonization Framework and as Chair Emeritus of the Public Health Advisory Council. Dr. Bekkar's journey from clinical medicine to climate activism exemplifies a deep commitment to leveraging medical expertise for broader societal impact. His work continues to inspire action at the nexus of health and environmental stewardship.