Leading the Charge for Environmental Health: Ronnie Levin on the Time 100 Health List”.

Ronnie Levin, an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has been recognized by Time as one of the 100 individuals who had the most influence on global health in 2024. The Time 100 Health list, which was published on May 2, aims to honor individuals who have made significant impacts, innovations, and achievements in the field of health.

Levin’s research on lead played a crucial role in driving change in the United States’ environmental policies. In a 2023 cost-benefit analysis conducted by Levin and her colleague and husband, Joel Schwartz, a professor of environmental epidemiology, it was found that reducing lead in drinking water could result in over $8 billion in health benefits and at least $2 billion in infrastructure savings each year in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to replace all lead pipes within a ten-year timeframe based on this research.

Levin expressed her excitement about the EPA’s proposed rule but emphasized the importance of effective implementation and enforcement for the desired outcomes to be achieved. She highlighted that without proper follow-through, the proposed changes may not have the intended impact. Levin’s work in environmental health and her research on lead have significantly contributed to global health discussions and initiatives, making her a deserving inclusion in the Time 100 Health list for 2024.

In addition to her contributions to environmental health policy, Levin is also known for her work on other important public health issues such as air pollution and climate change. Her expertise has been sought out by policymakers, academics, and activists around the world as they seek to address these critical challenges.

Overall, Ronnie Levin is an outstanding example of how rigorous scientific research can drive meaningful policy changes that improve public health outcomes. Her work has had a profound impact on global health discussions and initiatives and will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.