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Abstract(s)
In recent years, the discourse surrounding climate change has grown increasingly urgent, and for good reasons. Our planet is undergoing unprecedented transformations driven by human activities, which are altering the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The term “Planetary Health” has emerged to encapsulate the interdependent relationship between the health of human populations and the health of the natural systems on which we depend. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects planetary health and what this means for our collective future.
The genesis of this book lies in a simple yet profound realisation: the well-being of our planet is inextricably linked to our own well-being. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume—all are products of a complex web of environmental processes that are now being disrupted by climate change. As temperature rises, sea level increases, and weather patterns become more erratic, the ripple effects touch every aspect of life on Earth, from human health to biodiversity and from food security to economic stability.
The chapters within this book are contributions from leading experts across various fields—climate science, ecology, medicine, economics, and social sciences—each providing unique insights into the multifaceted impacts of climate change. We explore the scientific evidence of climate change, discuss the consequences for natural and human systems, and potential solutions that can help mitigate these impacts. This interdisciplinary approach is needed, as the challenges posed by climate change are complex and interconnected, requiring holistic and collaborative strategies.
The book delves into the ways in which climate change exacerbates existing health problems and creates new ones, particularly for vulnerable populations. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, heat waves, and floods, has immediate and long-term effects on mental and physical health. Meanwhile, shifts in disease patterns and the displacement of communities due to rising sea levels or prolonged droughts further compound the health risks.
Biodiversity loss is another critical issue addressed in this book. Healthy ecosystems are vital for the provision of ecosystem services, which include everything from pollination of crops to carbon sequestration. As species are driven to extinction at an alarming rate, the resilience of our ecosystems is undermined, threatening food security and livelihoods.
This book does not merely catalog the problems; it also focuses on solutions. From innovative technologies to policy frameworks and grassroots movements, there are numerous pathways to a more sustainable and equitable future. The transition to a low-carbon economy, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the implementation of effective public health strategies are just a few of the measures that can help us navigate the challenges ahead.
In writing this preface, we are reminded of the responsibility we have for future generations. The choices we make today will determine the health of our planet and the legacy we leave behind. This book is a call to action, urging readers to engage with the pressing issue of climate change and to contribute to the global effort to protect our planet and ensure the well-being of all its inhabitants.
We thank all authors for their valuable inputs and for sharing their knowledge and experience. We hope that this book serves as both a resource and an inspiration, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world and motivating collective action towards a sustainable future.
Description
The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024
Keywords
Citation
APA7th: Leal Filho, W., Vidal, D. G., & Dinis, M. A. P. (2024). Preface. In W. Leal Filho, D. G. Vidal, & M. A. P. Dinis (Eds.), Planetary health and climate change: understanding the impacts of climate change to the well-being of our planet (pp. v-vi). Springer Cham. https://link.springer.com/book/9783031727399
Publisher
Springer Cham