‘Healthy Desert, Healthy You’ Summit Comes to the Valley, Spotlighting Air, Water, and the Salton Sea

A major conversation on health and the environment begins tomorrow in the Coachella Valley as the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit kicks off, aiming to tackle the region’s most urgent ecological and public health challenges.

The two-a-day event will feature a wide range of panels and expert speakers covering everything from air pollution and water quality to the long-term implications of lithium extraction in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.

Organizers say the summit is designed to bring the community and policymakers together, especially in areas where environmental concerns overlap with health inequities and economic opportunity.

Salton Sea in the Spotlight

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day is a panel focused on the Salton Sea, beginning at 3:30 p.m., which will explore both the health risks and economic potential of the region’s evolving landscape.

• The respiratory health impacts of airborne dust from the Salton Sea

• Water use and conservation strategies

• The growing lithium extraction industry and its potential for job creation

• Long-term sustainability of economic and environmental development

The Salton Sea, once a tourism hub, has become increasingly symbolic of the complex relationship between climate, health, and industry — making it a central focus for both environmental justice advocates and green energy investors.

“The Salton Sea represents a defining challenge for this region — and an opportunity, if handled responsibly,” one panel moderator said. “We’ll be diving into what the community needs to know about its future.”

Broader Environmental & Health Themes

Throughout the summit, attendees can expect discussion on key health topics such as:

• Air quality concerns from agriculture and industrial activity

• Drinking water safety and access in underserved communities

• The intersection of climate change and public health

• Policy solutions that prioritize environmental equity

Many of these issues disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities across the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, making public engagement a key component of the event’s goals.

The summit is free and open to the public, with sessions designed to be accessible to both industry professionals and everyday residents. Local organizers encourage attendance from those directly impacted by environmental and health challenges in the region.

Live coverage of the summit will be available through NBC Palm Springs, with special segments throughout the day and expert interviews featured online and across social platforms.