OAFP 6190 - Planetary health : an introduction

Over the last decades, air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, and climate change have been increasingly recognized as environmental risk factors for health. An estimated 12.6 million people died as a result of living or working in an unhealthy environment in 2012 – nearly 1 in 4 of total global deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Climatic conditions affect human well-being both directly and indirectly, while the continuing loss of biodiversity on a global scale represents a direct threat to our health and well-being. By interlinking environmental considerations with socioeconomic development, health and well-being, the response to global health and environmental challenges can be shaped in a more efficient and complementary manner, allowing mutually-supportive strategies and approaches. The academic field of planetary health emerged in response to ongoing environmental crises with the release of the Lancet-Rockefeller Commission Report in 2015 entitled “Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch”.Defined as “the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends”, planetary health calls urgent attention to the extensive degradation of our planet for human advancement. The concept focuses on reversing this trend by better balancing human needs with the preservation of the Earth to sustain the health and well-being of future generations. Adopting the lenses of planetary health enables us to understand the connectedness between environmental change and human health outcomes and to inform policy action through a multidisciplinary, cross-sector, and transborder approach. Transitioning towards healthier environments could prevent almost one quarter of the global burden of disease. Clean air, stable climate, adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, safe use of chemicals, protection from radiation, healthy and safe workplaces, sound agricultural practices, health-supportive cities and built environments, and a preserved nature are all prerequisites for good health. The course aims to provide an introduction to planetary health, by reviewing major global health and environmental challenges that can be advanced in a complementary manner. While introducing key concepts and frameworks, the course will also build on case studies and reflect on integrated policy options to address global challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, sustainable food systems, and pandemic prevention. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive exercises.

Clélia FROGUEL,Laetitia SIEFFERT

Enseignement électif

English

Complete the readings before each class; prepare a group presentation; prepare a policy brief on a specific topic (a list of topic will be provided in Session 1); participate in the negotiation and foresight exercise; be attentive, take notes and ask questions in class.

Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on planetary health, 2015, https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(15)60901-1.pdf Lerner H, Berh C, A comparison of Three Holistic Approaches to Health: One Health, EcoHealth, and Planetary Health, Front. Vet. Sci. 4:163., 2017, Fig. 1, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2017.00163/full Planetary Health Alliance website, https://www.planetaryhealthalliance.org/ Planetary Health Alliance, Introduction to planetary health, https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p4D75lb_oLiqLW3iNXWhqqUBy85hJOcoMivsoEtyQ34/edit#slide=id.gdb65fa9336_0_92

Spring 2021-2022

Group presentation (40%, 7 group presentations in total) Policy brief (2 pager) (40%?) Negotiation/Foresight interactive exercises (10%) Overall participation (10%)

Group presentation prepared at home followed by debrief and discussion in class Introduction to concepts and framework, theory Additional interactive case study or exercise in class as may be relevant Please note that for a few sessions, guest teachers or external stakeholders might be invited to share their perspective. *** Please note that some sessions may take place online due to the professional constraints of the speakers and teachers.***