For Jonathan Patz (2005), the interdependence of environment, ethics, and health is a key to understanding how to improve human health worldwide as climate changes. On October 17, Patz met to discuss these issues with the Dalai Lama, who was hosting a conference at his home entitled "Ecology, Ethics, and Interdependence." Patz noted the timeliness of the discussion, given the efforts of researchers and political leaders to link ethical behavior with global environmental issues.