Collaboration is essential for tackling climate change due to its complexity and multifaceted nature, which requires interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches. Environmental health professionals can benefit from collaborating with other sectors by sharing their expertise and knowledge on the health impacts of climate change, learning from the experiences and perspectives of other sectors, identifying and addressing the trade-offs and synergies between different sectoral goals and policies, building trust and mutual understanding among stakeholders and decision-makers, as well as mobilizing resources and support for implementing and scaling up climate solutions.
One thing I found that the Collaboration with different professionals to act against Climate change is important for the success of the action or project. If we collaborate with others it will increase the chance of the success of the projects due to interdisciplinary approach. The different professionals can do their part and it will be good for reduction of workload and increase the speed to finalize the projects. The knowledge and skills from different people are equally important. Climate change is related to aspects like environmental, ecological, economic, social, history and culture, business, community development , women and child empowerment and health.
I. Identify shared goals and mutual benefits for collaboration across sectors. II. Foster partnerships with government agencies, businesses, academia, and community organizations. III. Integrate environmental health considerations into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. IV. Advocate for policies that prioritize public health and environmental protection in climate action plans. V. Engage in interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange to develop innovative solutions.
Environmental health professionals can collaborate with sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban planning to address climate change by integrating health impact assessments into policy-making, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for resilient infrastructure. This interdisciplinary approach allows for the sharing of expertise and resources, fostering innovative solutions that simultaneously address health and environmental goals. Such collaboration enhances the effectiveness of climate strategies, ensures comprehensive risk management, and builds the collective capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts, ultimately leading to more sustainable and health-focused outcomes.
Collaboration is not always easy or straightforward, as it involves overcoming challenges such as language, culture, values, and incentives. It also requires time, effort, and commitment from all parties. Environmental health professionals should take a systems thinking approach to recognize the interconnections and feedback loops between different sectors and systems. They should engage in dialogue and consultation with other sectors from the early stages of planning to the implementation and evaluation of climate actions. Evidence-based and participatory methods and tools should be used to assess the health and environmental impacts of climate actions, which should be communicated clearly and convincingly. Additionally, a culture of learning and innovation should be fostered to encourage experimentation, feedback, and adaptation. Lastly, formal and informal networks and platforms should be established to facilitate information exchange, coordination, and collaboration.
We can collaborate International organizations like UN Climate Change related activities and projects etc. Many opportunities are available for internship or volunteer activities to act against Climate change. These all will be helpful to learn, sharing ideas, suggestions to discuss to improkve the actions on climate change
EHS professionals are well-positioned as integrators at a cross-roads of many fields. We speak the languages of disciplines, such as science and engineering; in addition, EHS is responsible for much of the ground-work that explains climate change. This means that we have a role in identifying key variables that influence climate change and the technologies that must be developed to prepare us for the future. For example, we can work with computer scientists, statisticians and other experts to develop models to help us make better choices. We can help identify areas of unmet need, such as carbon capture and green energy. And we must communicate clearly with the public and influence society to prioritize this issue.
By collaboration with the print and broadcast media in a carefully thought out campaign to educate and inform decision-makers and the general public on how everyday actions can assist in mitigating climate change.
Environmental health professionals have collaborated with other sectors to address climate change in a number of successful ways. The Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach integrates health considerations into the policies and actions of other sectors, such as energy and transport. The One Health approach recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health and promotes collaboration across disciplines and sectors to address shared health threats. The EcoHealth approach emphasizes the links between ecosystem health and human well-being, and supports community-based research and action. For example, the Healthy Energy Initiative advocates for a transition to clean energy sources that protect health and the environment, while the One Health for Climate Change Adaptation in Africa (OH-CCA) project aims to strengthen African countries' capacity to implement One Health strategies for climate change adaptation. The EcoHealth Network supports the restoration and conservation of ecological infrastructure that can provide multiple benefits for health and climate resilience.
Next time you jump into your car, drive for up to an hour there, an hour back, to inspect a food business, tick the same boxes that were ticked at the last inspection, ask yourself is there a greener way? The modernising food hygiene delivery proposals from FSA will allow low risk businesses to be inspected remotely, where appropriate, with 18 pilots starting in January. Evidence on best practice is needed before this can be widely adopted but EHP's can help in making this happen, by volunteering to be part of this experience gathering exercise.
I would rather EHPs go back to basics and help resolve their local environmental issues. For example, the U.K. has lost its way on managing water pollution. Whilst there’s still much to do on improving local air quality from industrial emissions, HGVs and better management of smoke free zones. The global warming debate has to be much properly debated/scrutinised. The crux of it to me, appears to be the time lines chosen when looking at global temperatures and gases. Data from ice cores and tree rings need more mainstream discussion and analysis.