Bangladesh, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world is also severely exposed to climate change (CC) impacts with a multitude of health complexities. Health adaptation to CC is thus a serious issue in Bangladesh, but not explored properly from a health system and policy environment perspective. In order to address this gap and provide a holistic picture of the overall scenario, this scoping review explores CC impacts on the population health in Bangladesh and discusses the policy environment and health system preparedness against such climatic challenges. A total of 28 articles were reviewed following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. A “5-point scale” was devised to assess CC integration in the health sector Operational Plans (OPs). Though the country made significant progress in different health indicators, poverty and income inequality have kept marginal communities out of many health provisions. There are four major stakeholders in the health system. The government sector is handicapped by poor governance, bureaucratic processes, and staff shortages; and primarily focuses on the public sector only. National Health Policy (NHP) governs the health system through 29 sectoral OPs, that put CC as a major cross-cutting issue. About 25% of the OPs have fully integrated CC and other OPs have significant CC co-benefits. In Bangladesh CC was linked to increased morbidity and mortality, diarrhea, cholera, skin problems, respiratory infections, malaria, dengue, kala azar, pre-eclampsia, and hypertension. Significant research gaps exist on child health, migrant health, and mental health. Integration of research evidence into policy, planning and program design is largely absent. However, prioritizing health for the National Adaptation Plan is an essential step towards establishing a climate-resilient health system.
{"title":"Public Health Impact and Health System Preparedness within a Changing Climate in Bangladesh: A Scoping Review","authors":"M. Nahian","doi":"10.3390/challe14010004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe14010004","url":null,"abstract":"Bangladesh, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world is also severely exposed to climate change (CC) impacts with a multitude of health complexities. Health adaptation to CC is thus a serious issue in Bangladesh, but not explored properly from a health system and policy environment perspective. In order to address this gap and provide a holistic picture of the overall scenario, this scoping review explores CC impacts on the population health in Bangladesh and discusses the policy environment and health system preparedness against such climatic challenges. A total of 28 articles were reviewed following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. A “5-point scale” was devised to assess CC integration in the health sector Operational Plans (OPs). Though the country made significant progress in different health indicators, poverty and income inequality have kept marginal communities out of many health provisions. There are four major stakeholders in the health system. The government sector is handicapped by poor governance, bureaucratic processes, and staff shortages; and primarily focuses on the public sector only. National Health Policy (NHP) governs the health system through 29 sectoral OPs, that put CC as a major cross-cutting issue. About 25% of the OPs have fully integrated CC and other OPs have significant CC co-benefits. In Bangladesh CC was linked to increased morbidity and mortality, diarrhea, cholera, skin problems, respiratory infections, malaria, dengue, kala azar, pre-eclampsia, and hypertension. Significant research gaps exist on child health, migrant health, and mental health. Integration of research evidence into policy, planning and program design is largely absent. However, prioritizing health for the National Adaptation Plan is an essential step towards establishing a climate-resilient health system.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86591442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kate C. Tilleczek, Mark Terry, Deborah MacDonald, James Orbinski, James Stinson
This paper presents data and analyses from our Planetary Health Film Lab (PHFL) and its sister project the Youth Climate Report. Qualitative data include semi-structured interviews with youth and their educators and content analysis of films produced by young people (ages 19–25) from six countries (Australia, Columbia, Ecuador, Italy, India, Canada). The educative processes designed for the Planetary Health Film Lab are illustrative of our work to build the field of planetary health education that is with/for young people whose educative projects are mobilized in turn to educate wider audiences and for policy change. The analyses show how youth document and record planetary health concerns alongside responsive projects that are embedded in awareness of climate justice and their interconnected ecological systems. The qualitative content analyses of selected films resulted in three themes: (1) Anthropogenic footprints, (2) Ecological and climate justice, and (3) Collective local/global solutions. Data also illustrates how young people’s participation in educative film projects contribute to the education of others and address related intergenerational justice issues. Implications for the knowledge, ethics and practices of youth-centred planetary health education are discussed as they augment the Framework for Planetary Health. Youth are crucial but overlooked collaborators in redressing planetary health education, an error we begin to correct through transdisciplinary approaches with/for young people who could help define the field.
{"title":"Towards Youth-Centred Planetary Health Education","authors":"Kate C. Tilleczek, Mark Terry, Deborah MacDonald, James Orbinski, James Stinson","doi":"10.3390/challe14010003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe14010003","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents data and analyses from our Planetary Health Film Lab (PHFL) and its sister project the Youth Climate Report. Qualitative data include semi-structured interviews with youth and their educators and content analysis of films produced by young people (ages 19–25) from six countries (Australia, Columbia, Ecuador, Italy, India, Canada). The educative processes designed for the Planetary Health Film Lab are illustrative of our work to build the field of planetary health education that is with/for young people whose educative projects are mobilized in turn to educate wider audiences and for policy change. The analyses show how youth document and record planetary health concerns alongside responsive projects that are embedded in awareness of climate justice and their interconnected ecological systems. The qualitative content analyses of selected films resulted in three themes: (1) Anthropogenic footprints, (2) Ecological and climate justice, and (3) Collective local/global solutions. Data also illustrates how young people’s participation in educative film projects contribute to the education of others and address related intergenerational justice issues. Implications for the knowledge, ethics and practices of youth-centred planetary health education are discussed as they augment the Framework for Planetary Health. Youth are crucial but overlooked collaborators in redressing planetary health education, an error we begin to correct through transdisciplinary approaches with/for young people who could help define the field.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135063724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Finnish Kalevala epic contains a world-creation myth that exemplifies the essential cooperation between humans and the nature spirits that inhabit the land. These stories not only reflect the culture’s animistic worldview, they also contain a remarkable awareness of how humans depend on the wisdom of nature to survive and illustrate how that coexistence benefits both humans and nature—a perspective that can be increasingly valuable in the modern era.
{"title":"The Cooperative Spirit of Nature in the Kalevala Creation Myth: An Argument for Modern Animism","authors":"C. Gant","doi":"10.3390/challe14010002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe14010002","url":null,"abstract":"The Finnish Kalevala epic contains a world-creation myth that exemplifies the essential cooperation between humans and the nature spirits that inhabit the land. These stories not only reflect the culture’s animistic worldview, they also contain a remarkable awareness of how humans depend on the wisdom of nature to survive and illustrate how that coexistence benefits both humans and nature—a perspective that can be increasingly valuable in the modern era.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75272660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bitcoin critics have argued that energy-intensive Bitcoin production and adoption will exacerbate global warming. Conversely, Bitcoin advocates have been dismayed by critics’ apparent lack of willingness to scrutinize Bitcoin’s potential role in helping to improve the economics of renewable energy investments, reduce net emissions from methane venting and flaring, increase electricity grid efficiency, and provide higher-order environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benefits. Given the disparate views, there is a pressing need to identify key knowledge needs regarding Bitcoin’s net energy use, carbon emissions, and direct and indirect ESG impacts. I used a variation on the ‘key questions’ horizon scanning approach to identify 100 questions that, if answered, could help provide credible evidence to support policymakers’, investors’, and research funders’ decision-making on issues relating to the impact of Bitcoin production and adoption. The questions are distributed across 13 themes (ranging from energy use to social impacts). The breadth of knowledge required to answer key questions highlights the need to build research capacity, encourage collaborative cross-sectoral and -disciplinary research, and develop a prioritized research agenda. Defensible evidence for investors, regulators, and policymakers needs to consider Bitcoin’s complex net impacts on energy use and environmental, social, and governance benefits.
{"title":"100 Important Questions about Bitcoin’s Energy Use and ESG Impacts","authors":"M. Rudd","doi":"10.3390/challe14010001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe14010001","url":null,"abstract":"Bitcoin critics have argued that energy-intensive Bitcoin production and adoption will exacerbate global warming. Conversely, Bitcoin advocates have been dismayed by critics’ apparent lack of willingness to scrutinize Bitcoin’s potential role in helping to improve the economics of renewable energy investments, reduce net emissions from methane venting and flaring, increase electricity grid efficiency, and provide higher-order environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benefits. Given the disparate views, there is a pressing need to identify key knowledge needs regarding Bitcoin’s net energy use, carbon emissions, and direct and indirect ESG impacts. I used a variation on the ‘key questions’ horizon scanning approach to identify 100 questions that, if answered, could help provide credible evidence to support policymakers’, investors’, and research funders’ decision-making on issues relating to the impact of Bitcoin production and adoption. The questions are distributed across 13 themes (ranging from energy use to social impacts). The breadth of knowledge required to answer key questions highlights the need to build research capacity, encourage collaborative cross-sectoral and -disciplinary research, and develop a prioritized research agenda. Defensible evidence for investors, regulators, and policymakers needs to consider Bitcoin’s complex net impacts on energy use and environmental, social, and governance benefits.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"76 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78687565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Francis Gyapong, Ethel Debrah, Maame Oforiwaa, A. Isawumi, L. Mosi
Background: The use of face masks was a significant part of the WHO COVID-19 preventive protocols. While their usage has been effective, lack of adherence by individuals has been associated with discomfort and adverse side effects. This might facilitate unnecessary exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby increasing the incidence of COVID-19. This study assessed the side effects of prolonged mask-wearing and offers recommendations for present and future pandemics. Methods: Adverse side effects of face masks were evaluated from November 2021 to February 2022 with a structured Google Forms online questionnaire. The survey targeted regular and occasional face mask users around the world. All responders anonymously completed the survey, which included ten structured questions with a sub-section on the effects of the continuous use of face masks. The information obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the data were presented in graphs. Results: Almost 60% (1243) of the 2136 participants indicated discomfort while using face masks. Breathing difficulties and pain around the ears were cited as major causes of discomfort, accounting for 32% and 22%, respectively, of responses. Headaches were reported by 26.8% (572) of the respondents, with 44.6% experiencing one within 1 h of wearing a mask. Nine hundred and eight (908) respondents experienced nasal discomfort, while 412 individuals reported various skin-related discomfort, including excessive sweating around the mouth and acne. Conclusions: This study provides baseline data as to why there was less adherence to face mask use which includes headaches, skin irritation, ear pains, breathing difficulties, sore throat, dry eyes, and increased sweating around the mouth. As a result, this may contribute to an increased risk of infection. While COVID-19 lingers and the management of its undesirable effects persists into the future, it is vital that a superior mask design, concentrating on safety, comfort, and tolerability, be developed.
{"title":"Challenges and Adverse Effects of Wearing Face Masks in the COVID-19 Era","authors":"Francis Gyapong, Ethel Debrah, Maame Oforiwaa, A. Isawumi, L. Mosi","doi":"10.3390/challe13020067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020067","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The use of face masks was a significant part of the WHO COVID-19 preventive protocols. While their usage has been effective, lack of adherence by individuals has been associated with discomfort and adverse side effects. This might facilitate unnecessary exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby increasing the incidence of COVID-19. This study assessed the side effects of prolonged mask-wearing and offers recommendations for present and future pandemics. Methods: Adverse side effects of face masks were evaluated from November 2021 to February 2022 with a structured Google Forms online questionnaire. The survey targeted regular and occasional face mask users around the world. All responders anonymously completed the survey, which included ten structured questions with a sub-section on the effects of the continuous use of face masks. The information obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the data were presented in graphs. Results: Almost 60% (1243) of the 2136 participants indicated discomfort while using face masks. Breathing difficulties and pain around the ears were cited as major causes of discomfort, accounting for 32% and 22%, respectively, of responses. Headaches were reported by 26.8% (572) of the respondents, with 44.6% experiencing one within 1 h of wearing a mask. Nine hundred and eight (908) respondents experienced nasal discomfort, while 412 individuals reported various skin-related discomfort, including excessive sweating around the mouth and acne. Conclusions: This study provides baseline data as to why there was less adherence to face mask use which includes headaches, skin irritation, ear pains, breathing difficulties, sore throat, dry eyes, and increased sweating around the mouth. As a result, this may contribute to an increased risk of infection. While COVID-19 lingers and the management of its undesirable effects persists into the future, it is vital that a superior mask design, concentrating on safety, comfort, and tolerability, be developed.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"110 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87680903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Climate change is one of the largest threats to human health and well-being globally. The healthcare industry itself currently contributes to fueling the climate crisis with its emissions and material consumption. There has been much research on decarbonising hospitals ecological/carbon footprints but very limited study on ways to assist healthcare clinics in transitioning to a low-carbon healthcare system. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, and the results analysed. Results: The literature review revealed four important areas to act upon to decarbonise a healthcare clinic most efficiently. These are: energy use, waste minimisation/management, the behaviors/attitudes of staff, and decarbonising the supply chain. Conclusions: The pooled literature reveals an evidence-based set of recommendations or guiding principles to decarbonise healthcare clinics the most effectively. To maximise operational effectiveness, how this is achieved will differ between clinics. Although this research is written with reference to Australia, these identified ini-tiatives are likely to be relatable to many other countries healthcare systems. Decarbonising health clinics will contribute to a sector-wide transition to more sustainable healthcare that will lead to improved environmental, social, economic and health outcomes.
{"title":"Transitioning to Sustainable Healthcare: Decarbonising Healthcare Clinics, a Literature Review","authors":"David Duindam","doi":"10.3390/challe13020068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020068","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Climate change is one of the largest threats to human health and well-being globally. The healthcare industry itself currently contributes to fueling the climate crisis with its emissions and material consumption. There has been much research on decarbonising hospitals ecological/carbon footprints but very limited study on ways to assist healthcare clinics in transitioning to a low-carbon healthcare system. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted, and the results analysed. Results: The literature review revealed four important areas to act upon to decarbonise a healthcare clinic most efficiently. These are: energy use, waste minimisation/management, the behaviors/attitudes of staff, and decarbonising the supply chain. Conclusions: The pooled literature reveals an evidence-based set of recommendations or guiding principles to decarbonise healthcare clinics the most effectively. To maximise operational effectiveness, how this is achieved will differ between clinics. Although this research is written with reference to Australia, these identified ini-tiatives are likely to be relatable to many other countries healthcare systems. Decarbonising health clinics will contribute to a sector-wide transition to more sustainable healthcare that will lead to improved environmental, social, economic and health outcomes.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91178361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Although epilepsy is a common non-communicable neurological disease, lack of knowledge, awareness, and negative attitudes of it abound. This study aimed to explore public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards epilepsy and people living with epilepsy (PLWE). RaoSoft software was used to calculate the sample size, and 4290 respondents were included. The researchers employed a non-experimental quantitative survey method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Most respondents had a secondary education without grade 12 (45.2%); 79.6% were unemployed in Limpopo and 70.5% in Mpumalanga. This study had a 95.3% response rate. Both provinces displayed low knowledge of epilepsy (48.2%; mean = 5.99; SD = 2.38). Only 41% demonstrated awareness, and 56.7% had a positive attitude towards epilepsy (mean= 4.67; SD = 1.90). The findings revealed positive correlations between demographic factors and overall knowledge, awareness, and attitude. In addition, demographic factors, such as level of education and employment status, may be associated with an individual’s knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards epilepsy. This study concluded that, despite individuals’ awareness of epilepsy, their levels of knowledge were low, and many (43.3%) had a negative attitude regarding the disease. In the two provinces investigated, the study highlighted the need for epilepsy education to empower the public and improve the quality of life of PLWE and their families.
{"title":"Public Perception of Epilepsy in Rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces: A Quantitative Study on Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitudes","authors":"O. P. Musekwa, L. Makhado, A. Maphula","doi":"10.3390/challe13020065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020065","url":null,"abstract":"Although epilepsy is a common non-communicable neurological disease, lack of knowledge, awareness, and negative attitudes of it abound. This study aimed to explore public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards epilepsy and people living with epilepsy (PLWE). RaoSoft software was used to calculate the sample size, and 4290 respondents were included. The researchers employed a non-experimental quantitative survey method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Most respondents had a secondary education without grade 12 (45.2%); 79.6% were unemployed in Limpopo and 70.5% in Mpumalanga. This study had a 95.3% response rate. Both provinces displayed low knowledge of epilepsy (48.2%; mean = 5.99; SD = 2.38). Only 41% demonstrated awareness, and 56.7% had a positive attitude towards epilepsy (mean= 4.67; SD = 1.90). The findings revealed positive correlations between demographic factors and overall knowledge, awareness, and attitude. In addition, demographic factors, such as level of education and employment status, may be associated with an individual’s knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards epilepsy. This study concluded that, despite individuals’ awareness of epilepsy, their levels of knowledge were low, and many (43.3%) had a negative attitude regarding the disease. In the two provinces investigated, the study highlighted the need for epilepsy education to empower the public and improve the quality of life of PLWE and their families.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"70 12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83613036","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global, one health and planetary health challenge. Links between climate change, antibiotic use, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance have been well documented, but less attention has been given to the impact(s) of earth systems on specific bacterial livestock diseases at a more granular level. Understanding the precise impacts of climate change on livestock health—and in turn the use of antibiotics to address that ill-health—is important in providing an evidence base from which to tackle such impacts and to develop practical, implementable, and locally acceptable solutions within and beyond current antibiotic stewardship programs. In this paper, we set out the case for better integration of earth scientists and their specific disciplinary skill set (specifically, problem-solving with incomplete/fragmentary data; the ability to work across four dimensions and at the interface between the present and deep/geological time) into planetary health research. Then, using a case study from our own research, we discuss a methodology that makes use of risk mapping, a common methodology in earth science but less frequently used in health science, to map disease risk against changing climatic conditions at a granular level. The aim of this exercise is to argue that, by enabling livestock farmers, veterinarians, and animal health observatories to better predict future disease risk and risk impacts based on predicted future climate conditions, earth science can help to provide an evidence base from which to influence policy and develop mitigations. Our example—of climate conditions’ impact on livestock health in Karnataka, India—clearly evidences the benefit of integrating earth scientists into planetary health research.
{"title":"Tackling AMR: A Call for a(n Even) More Integrated and Transdisciplinary Approach between Planetary Health and Earth Scientists","authors":"J. Cole, A. Eskdale, J. Paul","doi":"10.3390/challe13020066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020066","url":null,"abstract":"Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global, one health and planetary health challenge. Links between climate change, antibiotic use, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance have been well documented, but less attention has been given to the impact(s) of earth systems on specific bacterial livestock diseases at a more granular level. Understanding the precise impacts of climate change on livestock health—and in turn the use of antibiotics to address that ill-health—is important in providing an evidence base from which to tackle such impacts and to develop practical, implementable, and locally acceptable solutions within and beyond current antibiotic stewardship programs. In this paper, we set out the case for better integration of earth scientists and their specific disciplinary skill set (specifically, problem-solving with incomplete/fragmentary data; the ability to work across four dimensions and at the interface between the present and deep/geological time) into planetary health research. Then, using a case study from our own research, we discuss a methodology that makes use of risk mapping, a common methodology in earth science but less frequently used in health science, to map disease risk against changing climatic conditions at a granular level. The aim of this exercise is to argue that, by enabling livestock farmers, veterinarians, and animal health observatories to better predict future disease risk and risk impacts based on predicted future climate conditions, earth science can help to provide an evidence base from which to influence policy and develop mitigations. Our example—of climate conditions’ impact on livestock health in Karnataka, India—clearly evidences the benefit of integrating earth scientists into planetary health research.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"47 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86544391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Calls for systemic transformations have become prevalent throughout sustainability discourse. Increasingly, these calls point towards consciousness expanding practices and interventions, such as mindfulness, to support the development of individual understandings, skills, and capacities that are conducive to more sustainable ways of being and doing. The growing interest in leveraging inner capacities, including mindsets, worldviews, values, and beliefs for sustainability transformations emerges from concerns that conventional approaches are failing to align social and ecological systems towards long-term viability. Interest in these consciousness-driven transformations is spreading, particularly in governments and prominent organisations. Tempering this enthusiasm are concerns that untethered from moral and ethical guidelines as well as caring understanding of local and global prospects for lasting wellbeing, mindfulness programs, workshops, and interventions for inner transformation can inadvertently strengthen unsustainable systems and deepen inequities. Accordingly, this paper presents an exploratory assessment framework to increase understandings of how events focused on interventions for inner transformation align with broad sustainability requirements. Findings from application of the framework should help to elucidate how these offerings can disrupt normative ways of thinking and doing, and in turn, positively influence multi-scalar transformations. Furthermore, use of the assessment process to plan and/or evaluate inner development offerings is anticipated to help strengthen progress towards sustainability and reduce adverse trade-offs that might undermine positive systemic transformations.
{"title":"A Novel Framework for Inner-Outer Sustainability Assessment","authors":"K. J. Cooper, Robert B. Gibson","doi":"10.3390/challe13020064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/challe13020064","url":null,"abstract":"Calls for systemic transformations have become prevalent throughout sustainability discourse. Increasingly, these calls point towards consciousness expanding practices and interventions, such as mindfulness, to support the development of individual understandings, skills, and capacities that are conducive to more sustainable ways of being and doing. The growing interest in leveraging inner capacities, including mindsets, worldviews, values, and beliefs for sustainability transformations emerges from concerns that conventional approaches are failing to align social and ecological systems towards long-term viability. Interest in these consciousness-driven transformations is spreading, particularly in governments and prominent organisations. Tempering this enthusiasm are concerns that untethered from moral and ethical guidelines as well as caring understanding of local and global prospects for lasting wellbeing, mindfulness programs, workshops, and interventions for inner transformation can inadvertently strengthen unsustainable systems and deepen inequities. Accordingly, this paper presents an exploratory assessment framework to increase understandings of how events focused on interventions for inner transformation align with broad sustainability requirements. Findings from application of the framework should help to elucidate how these offerings can disrupt normative ways of thinking and doing, and in turn, positively influence multi-scalar transformations. Furthermore, use of the assessment process to plan and/or evaluate inner development offerings is anticipated to help strengthen progress towards sustainability and reduce adverse trade-offs that might undermine positive systemic transformations.","PeriodicalId":91008,"journal":{"name":"Challenges","volume":"33 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90052359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vanessa de Araujo Goes, Y. Tajudeen, M. El-Sherbini
Being one of the most common foodborne protozoa worldwide, chronic toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) could contribute significantly to the etiology of several mental disorders. The neurotropic parasite can directly influence the gut microbiota, causing inflammation with subsequent degradation of tryptophan required for parasite growth. Research in humans and animals shows that the gut microbiome is involved in the regulation of brain serotonergic pathways through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Since the serotonin system is extensively interconnected with the body’s master clock through neuronal networks, the microbiota has been suggested as a potential mediator, fine-tuning circadian misalignment, following a reciprocal relationship with human eating patterns. Furthermore, adherence to an intermittent fasting diet can improve the serotonin biosynthesis pathway in the intestines and improve cognitive function. This review aims to explain the role of fasting in parasite-driven gut microbiome perturbation and the mechanisms by which Toxoplasma infection alters brain function. Due to its significant impact on social–economic status, diet patterns, microbiota disruption, circadian rhythm, chronic inflammation, and mental disorders, toxoplasmosis is an underestimated threat that could be prevented by simple lifestyle changes through educational actions. Furthermore, there are few research studies that address toxoplasmosis-induced mental disorders from a holistic perspective. Thus, a planetary health lens is needed to understand these correlations that directly relate to the promotion of a resilient and empathic civilization, crucial to enabling a flourishing healthy society on all scales.
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