How is rising heat impacting NC's outdoor workforce? WUNC News invites you to a community conversation about the recent Scorched Workers project. Hear behind-the-scenes details about the reporting process and an in-person panel discussion about the impact of extreme heat on our state’s outdoor workforce. This special event features: free drinks and snacks from 6-7 p.m., time to mingle with WUNC reporters and staff, a panel discussion with guest experts at 6:30 p.m. and an audience Q&A. Featured panelists include Ashley Ward (Director, Heat Policy Innovation Hub). Space is limited and registration is required. Save your seat now!

As extreme heat intensifies across the Carolinas, communities face rising energy costs, disproportionate health risks, and increasing pressure on local infrastructure. Join us for a public conversation exploring the intersection of faith, energy justice, and climate resilience.

Discover how heat affects the human body and our communities, who is most at risk, and what myths about heat and health are being challenged by new research. Featuring Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub.

Ashley Ward (director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at the Nicholas Institute) is program leader for a DukeEngage program, "Heat Mapping for Climate Adaptation and Resilience," set for June-July 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Duke students can attend an info session in person or virtually to learn more about the program and decide if they would like to apply. 

Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub, will be a panelist for "Connecting the Dots: How Eco-Factors Impact Human Health & Well-Being" at the NC BREATHE Conference. The panel will discuss how environmental factors such as air pollution, heat, and climate change can strongly influence health outcomes.

At this invitation-only event, researchers, policymakers, and corporate and community leaders will converge at Duke University in Durham, NC, for robust cross-sectoral dialogue about how to make communities more resilient to heat events. 

Summer of 2023 served as a wake-up call for many regarding the impact of extreme heat. The toll on communities was severe. In this session, we will discuss extreme heat and its impact on public health, focusing on the prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding extreme heat, shedding light on the realities that healthcare providers need to understand to effectively mitigate risks and provide optimal care.

Heat poses a significant threat to our health and well-being. As North Carolina summers become warmer and longer with high numbers of extremely hot days and warm nights, community leaders are asking for ways to prepare. Join us for an introductory webinar where we will explore North Carolina's changing temperatures, the dangers of extreme heat to human health, evidence-based strategies for preventing heat-related illnesses, how communities in NC are already preparing, and how the state government can help.

Interested in applying for the UNFCCC Climate Change Negotiations Practicum next fall? Register to join this dynamic conversation with Duke students and experts, including Jackson Ewing and Ashley Ward, who attended COP28. Lunch will be provided.

***This lunch is for current Duke students only.***

Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at the Nicholas Institute, will be moderating this hybrid event, Building Heat Resiliency: Actions and Opportunities for Healthier Cities and Communities, at COP28 in Dubai at 2:15-3:30 a.m. EST (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. GST) in the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Pavilion in the Blue Zone. Not attending COP28?

Interested in extreme heat? Planning on being in NY September 19? Join us for climate week at a panel of experts from diverse sectors as they discuss challenges, investment needs, and actionable solutions for addressing extreme heat. This event will be moderated by Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University's Nicholas Institute.

Nicholas Institute experts Ashley Ward and Jordan Clark discuss the risks and effects of extreme heat together with Duke School of Medicine Assistant Professor J.J. Hoff, MD. The three of them will also share steps individuals, communities and governments can take to manage the dangers of extreme heat.

The Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology will host the Climate Change and Immune Health Mini-Symposium. Register by Thursday, May 25 to participate in this thoughtful program designed for the Duke community, and scientific community at large, to gather and engage with distinguished speakers, including experts Brian Murray and Ashley Ward of the Nicholas Institute.

Part of Duke Women's Weekend, this session features a panel discussion about climate and environmental health issues, with particular attention to women’s health disparities.

Ashley Ward, Senior Policy Associate for Engagement and Outreach, Internet of Water Coalition (IoW), and Lauren Patterson, Senior Policy Associate, Water Policy Program, along with other IoW partners, will present two "TOOL TIME! Water Data Improvements" workshops at the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Conference on Monday, November 7.

Why is stakeholder engagement important? Is all stakeholder engagement the same? Should we engage differently with stakeholders around technology projects? Ashley Ward, Engagement and Outreach Associate for the Internet of Water Project at Duke University, has been engaging with stakeholders throughout the nation on a diversity of topics for over a decade.