Interactive and Inter-disciplinary workshop on improving the health of humans and the planet
30 August 2023 at 9.00 – 12.30, University of Copenhagen, KUB Frederiksberg
This workshop on health-responsible green transitions aims to bring together researchers at the University of Copenhagen who are working at the nexus of health, climate and environment. How can global health, one health and health promotion solutions be brought together in ways that ensure just green transitions?
The health of humans and the state of the environment are inextricably interlinked. Climate change and environmental degradation have been linked to increased risks of zoonosis, as recently instantiated in the COVID-19 pandemic. Toxic pollution and waste threaten the health of humans and many other species as natural resources are exhausted leading to environmental deterioration as well as contaminated food chains, water supply and air quality.
Mental health and well-being suffer as concerns about climate change and extreme weather events can generate climate anxiety and distress, which in terms of both diagnosis and cure is also a matter of cultural mediation and visual and narrative representation: Looking at images of catastrophes in newspapers and on TV, watching apocalyptic Hollywood films, reading dystopian novels, or simply just doom scrolling on the phone. At the same time, ongoing efforts to effectuate green transitions are often closely attuned to public health initiatives that aim to improve the health of populations through the changing of everyday habits in ways that are beneficial for both the health of humans and the planet. Increasing consumption of plant-based foods as a substitution for animal-source foods and better access to green spaces and possibilities for bicycling can improve physical and mental health, and support the realisation of the ambitions of the Danish Climate Act as well as the UN-development goals and the human right to health.
The workshop is for all UCPH VIP. Registration is necessary because breakfast and sandwiches are provided.
Organizer:
Planning group for GSC Thematic Solution ”Health responsible green transition":
Ayo Wahlberg, Department of Anthropology
Bente Halkier, Department of Sociology
Inge Tetens, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports
Marie Pedersen, Department of Public Health
Mette Hartlev, Faculty of Law
Mikkel Krause Frantzen, Department of Arts and Cultural Studies