Environmental Health And Effects Of Environmental Change

Environmental Health And Health Effects Of Environmental Changethis As

This assignment will help you evaluate your role with improving/eliminating environmental barriers to health. Instructions: Write a 5-6 page paper on environmental health, the environmental factors that impact health, and your role with improving/eliminating environmental barriers to health. In this paper you will apply the material presented in this lesson. Be sure to use the resources in the lesson and previous lessons in this module as appropriate. Copy/save your results and upload the file by clicking " Browse My Computer " for Attach file.

Paper For Above instruction

Title Page: Environmental Health and Health Effects of Environmental Change

Abstract

Environmental health explores the impact of environmental factors on human health, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mitigating environmental hazards. This paper discusses key environmental determinants affecting health, examines the consequences of environmental change, and reflects on my role in addressing these barriers. By analyzing current issues such as water depletion, pollution, and deforestation, this study highlights the need for proactive strategies to promote healthier environments. My contribution involves advocating for sustainable practices, engaging in community education, and supporting policies that protect natural resources. Ultimately, improving environmental health requires collective effort and informed action to create resilient, health-promoting environments for future generations.

Introduction

Environmental health is a vital aspect of public health that focuses on the interactions between humans and their environment, including physical, chemical, biological, and social factors that influence health outcomes. Global environmental changes—such as climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and habitat destruction—pose significant threats to health disparities worldwide. These alterations not only cause direct health issues like respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases but also indirectly contribute to food insecurity, displacement, and mental health challenges. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental integrity and human well-being underscores the importance of proactive measures to address environmental barriers systematically. This paper aims to elucidate the major environmental factors influencing health, examine recent environmental changes, and explore my potential role in fostering sustainable and equitable health environments.

Synopsis of Environmental Factors Impacting Health

Environmental factors encompass a broad spectrum of elements that can adversely affect human health. These include air and water pollution, exposure to toxic chemicals, inadequate sanitation, poor waste management, and habitat destruction. Air pollution, driven by industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, causes respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (World Health Organization [WHO], 2018). Water contamination, often stemming from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation, leads to waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery (UNICEF, 2020). Chemical exposures from pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals can cause neurological and developmental disorders, especially in children (Landrigan et al., 2018). Additionally, environmental degradation, including deforestation and climate change, contributes to the loss of biodiversity and alters ecosystems, which can exacerbate disease transmission and impact food security (Watts et al., 2018).

The social determinants of health are compounded by environmental factors, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as low-income communities and indigenous peoples. These groups often reside in areas with higher pollutant levels and limited access to clean water or healthcare resources, amplifying health disparities (Braveman & Gottlieb, 2014). Furthermore, climate change influences health through increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and altered disease patterns, compounding existing public health challenges (Costello et al., 2009).

Major environmental changes like water depletion and contamination in India, as discussed in Vandana Shiva's interview, illustrate how resource exhaustion impacts health and livelihoods (Shiva, 2014). Deforestation for agriculture or urbanization reduces forest cover, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and changes in local climates—further impairing health outcomes (Global Forest Watch, 2020). These environmental issues are interconnected; addressing one often requires an integrated approach that considers the broader ecological and social contexts.

My Role in Improving/Eliminating Environmental Barriers to Health

Fostering sustainable environmental health requires active engagement from individuals, communities, and policymakers. Personally, I can advocate for sustainable practices by reducing my carbon footprint, conserving water, and minimizing waste. Participating in community clean-up initiatives and educating peers about environmental health issues contribute to raising awareness and promoting responsible behaviors. Supporting policies that regulate pollution emissions, protect natural resources, and ensure equitable access to clean water aligns with my commitment to public health advocacy.

Moreover, I can engage with local organizations working on reforestation, water conservation, and renewable energy projects. For instance, supporting tree-planting campaigns like Trees for the Future helps restore ecosystems, improve air quality, and promote biodiversity (Trees for the Future, 2021). Educational outreach about sustainable agriculture and water management practices can empower communities to adopt healthier, environmentally-friendly routines. As a future public health professional, I can also contribute to policy development by providing data-driven insights and promoting integrated approaches to environmental health issues.

In addition, supporting global initiatives such as the International Forum on Globalization underscores the importance of addressing the socioeconomic dimensions of environmental change, advocating for fair trade policies that protect environmental resources and promote social equity (IFG, 2022). My role extends beyond individual actions—collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to design and implement sustainable solutions that address the root causes of environmental health barriers.

Summary and Conclusion

Environmental health is intricately linked to the overall well-being of populations and ecosystems. The ongoing environmental changes, including pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, pose significant challenges to human health. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of environmental determinants and proactive engagement at individual, community, and policy levels. My commitment involves advocating for sustainable practices, supporting ecological restoration efforts, and influencing policy aimed at reducing environmental hazards. Collective action and informed decision-making are essential to creating resilient and healthy environments, ensuring a sustainable future where health disparities are minimized, and ecological balance is restored.

References

  • Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s not just about individual behaviors. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.
  • Costello, A., Abbas, M., Allen, A., et al. (2009). Managing the health effects of climate change. The Lancet, 373(9676), 1693–1733.
  • Global Forest Watch. (2020). Deforestation and environmental impacts. https://www.globalforests.org
  • Landrigan, P. J., Fuller, R., Acosta, N. J., et al. (2018). The Lancet Commission on pollution and health. The Lancet, 391(10119), 1607–1660.
  • Shiva, V. (2014). Water depletion & contamination in India. Interview available through MDC Medical Campus Library.
  • Trees for the Future. (2021). About tree planting programs. https://trees.org
  • UNICEF. (2020). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). https://unicef.org/wash
  • Watts, N., Adger, W. N., Agnolucci, P., et al. (2018). The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: From 25 years of inaction to a global transformation for public health. The Lancet, 391(10120), 581–630.
  • World Health Organization. (2018). Air pollution and health. https://who.int/health-topics/air-pollution
  • International Forum on Globalization (IFG). (2022). About us. https://ifg.org

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