Planetary Health and Indigenous Worldviews

  1. Global social and health inequities are the result of unsustainable, exploitative relationships across various spheres, emphasizing the impact of narrow economic interests on planetary health.

1.1. Economic changes drive ecological changes

Linked to material consumption

Higher ecological footprint in high-income countries

Resource depletion

Mass pollution

1.2. Need to incorporate ethical precepts to guide future work

Well-being of non-human species

The well-being of future generations

1.3. Free systems of governance from commercial interests

Promote well-being budgets

Distribute assets more equitably

Factor in ecological capacity

  1. Global ecological changes have implications for the health of all species on Earth.

2.1. Climate change is the most prominent global ecological change

Warming oceans

Melting glaciers and polar ice caps

Extreme weather events

Affects habitats

affects marine ecosystems

Affects coastal habitats

2.2. Current natural system changes will lead to challenges and alter the conditions of human civilization

Increased risk of food- and water-borne diseases

Increased risk of vector-borne disease

Greater risk of injury, diseases, and death, due to intense heat

  1. Despite the fact that the Anthropocene is both an ecological and social phenomenon, public health and health promotion have largely ignored the ecological aspect.

3.1. Discourse on determinants focused on social and economic determinants

Education

Employment

Childhood experiences

Gender

3.2. Ecological determinants are the most fundamental determinants of our health

Air

Water

Food

Infrastructure products

Fuels

3.3. Ecological changes are driven by socio-economic factors

Resource extraction

Industrialization

Urbanization

  1. To better promote and achieve human and planetary health, we need to recognize and centre Indigenous ways of knowing, which have been practiced since time immemorial.

4.1. Focuses on reciprocal relationships between humans and their environment

Sustains biodiversity

Food sovereignty

Ecological integration

4.2. Requires dismantling colonial structures

White supremacy

Discrimination

Violence

4.3. Foster inclusive spaces and concerted actions

Non-colonial governance

Community engagement

Remove structural barriers

Invest in grassroots organizations

  1. Health promotion must take a holistic eco-social approach to address population health and achieve comprehensive well-being, as social and economic influences contribute to ecological shifts, which in turn negatively impact social and economic advancements.

5.1. Change population and public health curricula to incorporate an eco-social approach

Upgrade knowledge skills of public health staff

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Challenge the prevailing economic model

5.2. Use the powers of public health to oppose developments that harm ecosystems and human health

Inquiries and investigations

Advocacy and allyship with environmental groups

Legal challenges

Disinvestment

5.3. Center ecosystems thinking at the centre of policymaking

Decarbonize economies

Support biodiversity

Land restoration