Quick Links: Webinar 1 Recording | Webinar 2 Recording | Webinar 3 Recording | Webinar 4 Recording | Resources
About the series – Download flyer
Understanding the environmental determinants of health is crucial as it enables healthcare professionals and policymakers to prevent diseases, promote health equity, reduce healthcare costs, inform policy development, address climate change, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration for holistic health interventions.
This 4-part webinar series will enhance your understanding of how environmental factors shape health outcomes by exploring the significance of clean air, safe water, sustainable housing, climate change and more, all through the lens of real-world applications and best practices. It will equip you with actionable strategies and tools to address environmental determinants in the workplace, and provide advice for how to advocate for policies that foster healthier, sustainable communities. This series will allow you to be at the forefront of change conversations that consider the environmental health ecosystem. Each webinar will include expert speakers, case studies, and practical insights to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the environmental health landscape.
The goal for this webinar series is to:
- Foster Understanding
- Empower Action
- Catalyse Advocacy
Series Facilitator: Professor Tony Capon, Director of Monash Sustainable Development Institute and an internationally recognised public health physician and authority on environmental health and health promotion
Webcast 1:
From Earth to Health
Recorded Friday 10 May 2024
This webinar explored the direct and indirect health effects of climate change and the major role clinician-researchers play in shaping health outcomes that are influenced by environmental shifts. The conversation served as a powerful starting point for an in-depth exploration of the environmental determinants of health by empowering the healthcare workforce to think critically about integrating environmental determinants into current and future work programs.
Panel:
- Professor Fiona Armstrong, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
- Thomas Astell-Burt, Professor of Cities and Planetary Health at the University of Sydney’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning
- Associate Professor Veronica Matthews, Co-Lead CRE STRIDE, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore
Webcast 2:
Bridging Health & Ecosystems
Recorded Friday 17 May
This webinar unravelled the intricate relationship between biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health by exploring the critical environmental factors affecting ecosystems and their direct impact on public health. It explored the intersection of General Practice/Primary Care, sustainability and mental health, and it discussed policy opportunities that support sustainable livestock strategies and enhance food and nutrition security through a One Health approach.
Panel:
- Dr Aaron Jenkins, Horizon Fellow & Senior Research Fellow in Planetary Health, University of Sydney
- Associate Professor Grant Blashki, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, practicing GP and Fellow at the Climate Council
- Professor Robyn Alders, Honorary Professor, Development Policy Centre & Senior Consulting Fellow, Chatham House
Webcast 3:
Home Sweet Health
Recorded Friday 24 May 2024
This webinar explored the critical influence of housing and residential location on individual health and wellbeing. It delved into topics such as housing affordability, tenure, and their measurable effects on health, extending to the impact of urban form on the health of residents in rural, remote, regional, and major city communities. Furthermore, it explored the advocacy for social and community work policies to improve environmental conditions and foster healthier living environments.
Panel:
- Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, Co-director of He Kāinga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme and the New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities
- Ayla Hope, Associate Director, Community Impact, Healthy North Coast
- Kerryn Lawrence, Assistant Manager, Aboriginal Environmental Health Unit at NSW Health
Webcast 4:
From Policy to Practice
Recorded Friday 31 May 2024
This webinar empowered participants with the knowledge and tools needed to make a tangible impact on individual and community health through an enhanced understanding of environmental determinants. It looked at existing healthcare policies to evaluate their consideration of environmental determinants, aiming to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. It provided practical strategies to seamlessly integrate environmental factors into patient care and discussed the importance of advocacy and leadership in advancing policies prioritising environmental health. Participants gained insights into effective ways to drive positive change within their professional spheres.
Panel:
- Dr Liza Barbour, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food, Monash University
- Dr Brian O’Connell, Emergency Physician, Sustainable Healthcare Clinical Lead Mid North Coast Local Health District, Net Zero Lead for NSW Emergency
- Dr Kate Wylie, GP and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia
Resources
Webinar 1
Webinar 2
Webinar 3
Webinar 4
The Centre is committed to building cross-sector relationships and has a collective approach to health and social care. Learn about our Patrons.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nationsand their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.