April 7th is World Health Day, a time to draw attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) is focusing on “urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being. ” According to the WHO, 13 million people die every year from avoidable environmental causes, such as air quality, extreme heat, and water scarcity. These environmental determinants of health are all exacerbated by the climate crisis, which is the preeminent health threat facing humanity.
Our planet’s health a
nd our own health are one in the same. According to the WHO, “Over 90 percent of people breathe unhealthy air resulting from burning of fossil fuels.” One of the many health crises spurred by the climate crisis. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted global inequities, so too does the climate crisis, which is why it is so important to reimagine our society to center human well-being, equity, and ecological sustainability at its core.
Through the “Our planet, our health“ campaign, WHO is urging governments and the public to share stories of steps they are taking to protect the planet and their health and prioritize well-being societies. Share your story using the hashtag #HealthierTogether and lets reimagine a healthier world!
We wanted to highlight some resources available at the library that focus on global health. Stop by and check one out, or place a hold on any of these titles by following the corresponding link:
- The Blue Zones kitchen : 100 recipes to live to 100 by Dan Buettner ; with photographs by David McLain
- Which country has the world’s best health care? by Ezekiel J. Emanuel
- Crisis in the red zone : the story of the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, and of the outbreaks to come by Richard Preston
- The Motorcycle Diaries [film]
- Diet for a small planet by Frances Moore Lappé ; illustrations by Aimée Mazara
- Food is the solution : what to eat to save the world : 80+ recipes for a greener planet and a healthier you by Matthew Prescott ; foreword by Academy Award-winning director James Cameron
- Grow now [electronic book] : how we can save our health, our communities, and our planet one garden at a time by Emily Murphy
- How we eat : the brave new world of food and drink by Paco Underhill
