Transdisciplinary Research Priorities for Human and Planetary Health
Channel: Future Earth
Date: 2021-02-10

Transdisciplinary Research Priorities for Human and Planetary Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

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. In this light, the Future Earth Health Knowledge-Action Network held a Webinar to discuss the process and emerging main themes identified for their research agenda. The agenda was developed and published in a special issue on “Ten Years of Urgent Action: Global Environmental Threats to Health and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. A subset of the authors presented and discussed the following themes i.e.:

1. risk identification and management (including related to water, hygiene, sanitation, and waste management); food production and consumption; 
2. oceans; and extreme weather events and climate change;
3. strengthening climate-resilient health systems;
4. monitoring, surveillance, and evaluation; and 
5. risk communication.

The team highlighted the need that research approaches need to be transdisciplinary, multi-scalar, inclusive, equitable, and broadly communicated. Together with that, promoting resilient and sustainable development are critical for achieving human and planetary health. Going forward, the team will set up an action plan and engage in Working Groups to bring the agenda in practice. We welcome everyone interested in the Health Knowledge-Action Network to join and engage through the Health circle on the Future Earth Members platform. We also want to thank all the authors and contributors to this important work that will guide the Health community collaborations.

SPEAKERS
  
Josh Tewksbury 
Interim Executive Director, Future Earth, USA

Andy Haines 
Professor Sir, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK

Frances Harris 
Geography, Environment and Planning, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, UK
  
Chadia Wannous
Coordinator, Towards A Safer World Network (TASW), Sweden

Brama Kone
University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly of Korhogo & Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Côte d’Ivoire

Kristie L. Ebi
Professor,Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHanGE), University of Washington, USA.

MODERATOR

Anthony Capon
Director, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Australia