Paediatrics professor recognized with Western Climate and Sustainability Award
Dr. Anna Gunz advocates for greener hospital practices and sustainability in health care. (supplied)
By Schulich Communications
With a passion for sustainability in health care, Dr. Anna Gunz, associate professor in the Department of Paediatrics, is a recipient of the 2025 Western Climate and Sustainability Awards.
Formerly the Green Awards, the Western Climate and Sustainability Awards recognize an individual or team that initiates or supports an activity with positive sustainability outcomes.
“Our office takes great pride knowing so many members of our campus community – including students, staff and faculty – are actively contributing to these important efforts,” said Heather Hyde, director of sustainability. “This community’s dedication plays a crucial role in fostering a culture where sustainability is embedded in everything we do at Western.”
Gunz is a paediatric intensive care physician at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). As clinical lead for planetary health and sustainability at LHSC, Gunz advocates for greener hospital practices and sustainability in health care.
She is also the founding medical director of the Children’s Environmental Health Clinic, a unique program in Canada addressing the impact of environmental exposures on children’s health by integrating clinical care, research, advocacy and education.
“This award took me by surprise, and it is a great honour that I share this with my teachers, colleagues, collaborators, and often now, friends, who I get to work and create with,” she said.
A recognized leader in environmental health, Gunz serves as the president of the Paediatric Environmental Health section of the Canadian Paediatric Society and the pediatric ‘green’ section lead for the Ontario Medical Association.
She is also the policy and clinical lead for the Climate Change and Health Collaborative.
A passionate proponent of nature-based solutions, Gunz directs the Land-based Healing/Nature for Healing Program, which enhances patient and family health through increased exposure to nature at London Children’s Hospital. This initiative supports holistic health through nature prescriptions and developing naturalized hospital spaces.
Gunz’s commitment to planetary health also extends to public engagement, including an appearance on CTV’s The Social, where she discussed the impact of climate change on youth mental health.
“Medicine was a calling for me, as was learning about the relationships that exist between all life and elements on our planet; that there is a place in my career to weave those together is a gift and allows me to connect and learn from incredible people every day.”
