Browsing by Author "Luetz, Johannes M."
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- Climate-friendly healthcare: reducing the impacts of the healthcare sector on the world’s climatePublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Luetz, Johannes M.; Thanekar, Urvi D.; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Forrester, MikeIf the global healthcare sector were a country, it would be the fifth-largest carbon emitter, also producing massive volumes of waste. A revolutionary transition to an environmentally sustainable model of healthcare is required. Decarbonisation efforts are initially focused on transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency in healthcare facilities (Scopes 1 and 2). One of the major challenges is to reduce the carbon intensity of the broader healthcare sector, especially operational and supply chain-related emissions, which represent 71% of the sector’s worldwide emissions (Scope 3). This comment briefly describes the connections between the healthcare sector and climate change and describes several high-impact decarbonisation opportunities, focusing on transitioning from current resource and waste-intensive procurement models and highlighting the planetary co-benefits of fostering low-emissions healthcare. To succeed, this transition will require high-level advocacy and policy changes supported by international collaboration at the global level.
- Handling climate change education at universities: an overviewPublication . Filho, Walter Leal; Sima, Mihaela; Sharifi, Ayyoob; Luetz, Johannes M.; Lange Salvia, Amanda; Mifsud, Mark; Olooto, Felicia; Djekic, Ilija; Anholon, Rosley; Rampasso, Izabela Simon; Donkor, Felix Kwabena; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Klavins, Maris; Finnveden, Göran; Chari, Martin Munashe; Molthan-Hill, Petra; Mifsud, Alexandra; Sen, Salil K; Lokupitiya, ErandathieBackground Climate change is a problem which is global in nature, and whose effects go across a wide range of disciplines. It is therefore important that this theme is taken into account as part of universities´ teaching and research programs. Methods A three-tiered approach was used, consisting of a bibliometric analysis, an online survey and a set of case studies, which allow a profile to be built, as to how a sample of universities from 45 countries handle climate change as part of their teaching programs. Results This paper reports on a study which aimed at identifying the extent to which matters related to climate change are addressed within the teaching and research practices at universities, with a focus on the training needs of teaching staff. It consists of a bibliometric analysis, combined with an online worldwide survey aimed at ascertaining the degree of involvement from universities in reducing their own carbon footprint, and the ways they offer training provisions on the topic. This is complemented by a set of 12 case studies from universities round the world, illustrating current trends on how universities handle climate change. Apart from reporting on the outcomes of the study, the paper highlights what some universities are doing to handle climate issues, and discusses the implications of the research.. Conclusions The paper lists some items via which universities may better educate and train their students on how to handle the many challenges posed by climate change.
- The role of climatic changes in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases: bibliometric analysis and literature-supported studies on zoonosesPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Nagy, Gustavo J.; Gbaguidi, Gouvidé Jean; Paz, Shlomit; Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta; Luetz, Johannes M.; Sharifi, AyyoobClimate change (CC) is increasingly recognised as a critical driver in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. The relationship between CC and infectious diseases is complex and multifaceted, encompassing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. This study describes the role of CC in the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases, emphasising zoonoses. It used a mixed methodology, including an initial literature contextualisation and a bibliometric analysis, to identify key thematic research areas related to CC and zoonotic diseases and show their connections. The research relied on the Scopus database for the identification of relevant source literature and focused the search query on publications in English. VOSviewer was used to discover clear thematic clusters that illustrate what research areas have been addressed in the literature and how they are interlinked. In addition, the research selected and analysed twelve literature-supported studies to investigate the relevance of the zoonoses involved in infectious disease emergence and re-emergence linked to CC impacts. Many pathogens and their vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents, are sensitive to temperature and moisture. CC can expand or shift the geographical distribution of these vectors, bringing diseases to new areas. Warmer temperatures may allow mosquitoes that transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever to survive and reproduce in regions that were previously too cold. Also, extreme events such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes can lead to immediate increases in waterborne and vector-borne diseases (VBD) by facilitating the spread of pathogens. There is a need to better understand the connections between CC and zoonoses. To address the challenges posed by zoonoses linked to CC, international organizations like the WHO should coordinate a global response to provide clear guidance. Governments must integrate CC and zoonoses into national health policies, ensuring that health frameworks address these interconnected risks. Funding should be allocated for research on the root causes of CC and for strengthening defenses, particularly in developing countries with fragile health systems. Additionally, enhanced communication, education, and training for healthcare professionals about the links between CC and zoonoses are essential for raising awareness and promoting proactive measures.
- University forests and carbon sequestration: an untapped potentialPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Luetz, Johannes M.; Dinis, Maria Alzira PimentaThe role of universities in addressing climate change is often discussed, but one crucial aspect tends to be overlooked: their potential contribution to carbon sequestration. Many universities around the world possess significant tracts of land, often featuring substantial forested areas. These landscapes represent an underutilised opportunity for nature-based solutions that facilitate carbon sequestration. This paper discusses the current trends and status of university-owned forests, highlighting some of the largest and most ecologically significant forests managed by academic institutions across different regions worldwide. It explores their capacity for carbon sequestration, their biodiversity value, and the potential they hold for contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the article examines how these university forests can serve as dynamic, living laboratories for research, education, and conservation, as well as spaces for community engagement. In addition to their environmental benefits, these green spaces can enhance human health and well-being. Based on this analysis, the paper offers recommendations for universities on how to optimise their forested lands as carbon sinks and enhance their role in advancing sustainable practices, research, and education.