Lecture 4: Interconnection With Nature

Question 1

what is planetary health?

Answer 1

the interconnectedness between human, animal and ecosystem health for human health today and in the future

Question 2

why is planetary health important?

Answer 2

• nature is vital to humans
• but humans are drivers of nature’s deterioration
• nature can be conserved, restored and be used sustainably

Question 3

why is nature vital to humans?

Answer 3

• nature provides so many resources
• food, water, materials, resources etc
• has spiritual/cultural aspects too
• but currently the state of biodiversity and ecosystems is poor. it has declined quite rapidly and is projected to get worse.

Question 4

whats an example of nature and its impact on health?

Answer 4

forests, tree and green spaces have positive impacts on child, adult mental and physical health and older adult health

e.g. mental health, cardio health, spiritual health, cognitive health

Question 5

whats the importance of forests, trees and green spaces for human health?

Answer 5

• source of medicine, food and other products
• supports biodiversity
• recreational areas
• wood can replace greenhouse gas products and reduce waste problems

Question 6

what are human drivers of natures deterioration?

Answer 6

indirect:
- demographic and sociocultural
- economic and technological
- institutions and governance
- conflicts and epidemics

human activities:
- fisheries
- agriculture
- forestry
- mining
- tourism
- infrastructure

direct:
- land/sea-use change
- direct exploitation
- climate change
- pollution
- invasive species

Question 7

how should we change human relationship with the planet?

Answer 7

need to transition towards planetary health where the limits to our planetary boundaries are no longer exceeded

incorporate public health thinking:
- upstream, collective health, protection, promotion, prevention, inequities, environment, system and policies

Question 8

what are planetary boundaries?

Answer 8

• identifies nine boundaries for earth system processes that could lead to damaging environmental change if they are crossed
• staying within the boundaries ensures we create a positive relationship with the planet
• these include: climate change, ozone depletion, aerosol loading, ocean acidification, freshwater use, land-system change, biosphere integrity etc

Question 9

how can we become more connected to nature?

Answer 9

• environmental protection, social trust, agency, community driven, cultural perspectives etc

Question 10

what are some indigenous perspectives on planetary health?

Answer 10

• spiritual connection to land
• interconnected
• protect environment
• learn from nature
• impacted by changes
• legal personhood

Question 11

what are the benefits of strengthening planetary health?

Answer 11

e.g. increasing biodiversity will lead to improved ecosystem services, benefits for nutrition, medicines, energy etc

or increasing forestry and green spaces has many benefits e.g. physical activity, mental health, physical health, connections, being outside, driving less etc etc

just think of any example ez

Question 12

what are some national and local policies relevant to improving planetary health?

Answer 12

• NZ Biodiversity strategy 2020
• freshwater farm plan audit guidance
• urban design strategy in Qtown