Roger A Rosenblatt February 12, 2004 Environmental Health and the Health Professional Ecological Change and Human Health

The first step: Making the diagnosis

The Pathophysiology of the Global Health Crisis Fever - Global Warming Asthma - Environmental Degradation Alopecia - Deforestation Thrush - Loss of Biodiversity Scabies - Overpopulation

Symptom: Fever Diagnosis: Global Warming

Global Warming

World Carbon Emissions from Fossil Fuel Burning, by Economic Region, Developing Countries Former Eastern Bloc Industrial Countries

Global Climate Change: The Impact on Human Health ` Malaria, dengue fever, equine encephalitis, West Nile virus Direct Effects: – Lethal heat waves – Potential extreme weather events – e.g. hurricanes Indirect Effects: – Increase in air pollution and respiratory disease – Greater growth & dispersion of fungal spores – allergies – Rising sea levels Diseases that may become more common: – – Lyme disease, hantavirus, – Cholera,Cryptosporodiosis

Symptom: Asthma Diagnosis: Air Pollution

Symptom: Alopecia Diagnosis: Deforestation

Deforestation Example

Symptom: Thrush Diagnosis: Loss of Biodiversity

Extinctions of birds and animals 1600 to present( Audubon society, 1998 )

Mass Extinctions: Loss of Biodiversity

The Sixth Extinction Human-caused Proceeding extremely rapidly We have lost about 20% of species that existed in the year 1800 We will probably lose 25-50% of remaining species in the next century

Symptom: Scabies Diagnosis: Overpopulation

World Population Growth You Are Here (gradual economic decline) overpopulation begins (unsustainability) massive environmental destruction and loss of species beings

World Population Milestones 1 billion in billion in 1927 (123 years later) 3 billion in 1960 (33 years later) 4 billion in 1974 (14 years later) 5 billion in 1987 (13 years later) 6 billion in 1998 (11 years later)

There Is a Strong Association Between Mother’s Age at First Birth and Subsequent Poverty

E = MC 2 or Environmental Impact = M(Population) x C(Consumption) squared

What can we do? Adopt an ecological perspective Reduce unwanted pregnancies in our communities Promote sustainable economic development Preserve natural habitat and the species that depend on them Include these issues in our academic and clinical work

Adopting a Broader Perspective in Public Health The Biological Approach The Biopsychosocial context The Ecobiopsychosocial imperative

Most Pregnancies Are Unintended 20% 8% 29% 43% mistimed pregnancies resulting in live births unwanted pregnancies resulting in live births unwanted and mistimed pregnancies ending in abortion intended pregnancies resulting in live births

Slowing Population Growth by Meeting Family Planning Needs, if no family planning programs if family planning programs continue at level if all unwanted births are avoided

Sustainable Economic Development: Some roles for the health professional Use resources in a sustainable manner Avoid polluting our natural resources Address occupational and environmental diseases Serve as role models for those who follow

Preserve Natural Habitats Create parks and ecological reserves Safeguard rare and endangered species Protect and create forests Support ecological restoration efforts

Next Steps Work to broaden the curriculum Respond to NIH’s Road-Map Initiative Work with other complementary groups on campus Think about how a new discipline of Population and Ecosystem Health might evolve