75 research outputs found
COVID-19, A Global Health Concern Requiring Science-Based Solutions
Scientifically-based concrete action points to reduce the spread, lessen the impact, reduce the concerns of the wider population, and avoid further outbreaks for governments, organizations, and individuals are neededFinal Published versio
COVID-19 reveals the systemic nature of urban health globally
Statement by the scientific committee* of the International Science Council’s Programme on Urban Health and Wellbeing, on critical elements of urban health action in response to the epidemic
Resilience Management for Healthy Cities in a Changing Climate
Cities are experiencing multiple impacts from global environmental
change, and the degree to which they will need to cope with and adapt to these challenges
will continue to increase. We argue that a ‘complex systems and resilience
management’ view may significantly help guide future urban development through
innovative integration of, for example, grey, blue and green infrastructure embedded
in flexible institutions (both formal and informal) for multi-functionality and
improved health. For instance, the urban heat island effect will further increase city-centre
temperatures during projected more frequent and intense heat waves. The
elderly and people with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are particularly
vulnerable to heat. Integrating vegetation and especially trees in the urban
infrastructure helps reduce temperatures by shading and evapotranspiration. Great
complexity and uncertainty of urban social-ecological systems are behind this
heatwave-health
nexus, and they need to be addressed in a more comprehensive
manner. We argue that a systems perspective can lead to innovative designs of new
urban infrastructure and the redesign of existing structures. Particularly to promoting
the integration of grey, green and blue infrastructure in urban planning through
institutional innovation and structural reorganization of knowledge-action systems
may significantly enhance prospects for improved urban health and greater resilience
under various scenarios of climate change.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Transdisciplinary Research Priorities for Human and Planetary Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Ebi KL, Harris F, Sioen GB, et al. Transdisciplinary Research Priorities for Human and Planetary Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2020;17(23): 8890.Human health and wellbeing and the health of the biosphere are inextricably linked. The state of Earth's life-support systems, including freshwater, oceans, land, biodiversity, atmosphere, and climate, affect human health. At the same time, human activities are adversely affecting natural systems. This review paper is the outcome of an interdisciplinary workshop under the auspices of the Future Earth Health Knowledge Action Network (Health KAN). It outlines a research agenda to address cross-cutting knowledge gaps to further understanding and management of the health risks of these global environmental changes through an expert consultation and review process. The research agenda has four main themes: (1) risk identification and management (including related to water, hygiene, sanitation, and waste management); food production and consumption; oceans; and extreme weather events and climate change. (2) Strengthening climate-resilient health systems; (3) Monitoring, surveillance, and evaluation; and (4) risk communication. Research approaches need to be transdisciplinary, multi-scalar, inclusive, equitable, and broadly communicated. Promoting resilient and sustainable development are critical for achieving human and planetary health
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