Month: September 2024

Learning Objectives to assist in teaching planetary health

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The Lancet – Planetary Health recently published a journal article titled Planetary health learning objectives: foundational knowledge for global health education in an era of climate change. Planetary health refers to the health of all peoples along with the natural systems on which those peoples depend. The study of planetary health looks at the interconnectedness of human health, the health of Earth’s ecosystems, all living entities and the planet’s overall well-being.

The article provides interdisciplinary guidelines in teaching others about planetary health that can be used by an educator.  Some objectives include:

  • Earth system changes
  • Human health outcomes
  • Risk assessment
  • Governance and more

Ohio State Professor joins National Academies in Environmental Justice Report

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Ohio State News recently shared an article featuring Ohio State Professor of Geography, Harvey Miller, who worked with National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). This collaboration created a report offering recommendations for developing tools that can help federal agencies fairly identify which areas deserve the most help for environmental problems such as air pollution, noise and wastewater.

“We are at a hinge point in history, and the choices we make now will reverberate for generations,” Miller said in a personal note that was published as part of the final report. “I sincerely hope that this report helps to move our nation forward toward a future with environmental justice for all.”

Geospatial tools – the focus of the report – are designed to integrate different kinds of health, social, environmental and economic data to come up with a composite score – a single number that can tell policymakers whether a community should receive special consideration for environmental funding.

Read the full article here.

Use Water Wisely During Dry Weather

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ODNR Urging Wise Use of Water Resources Due to Dry Conditions

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water Resources is urging the public to use water resources wisely due to dry conditions across Ohio. During periods of drought, it is imperative that Ohioans use water wisely. The Division of Water Resources is providing education and information to a variety of business sectors that rely on water. The resources will aid in water conservation and encourage consideration of downstream users, water quality, drinking water supply, and wildlife in operational planning.

Water conserving practices to improve water efficiency at home include:

  • Abstaining from or irrigating lawns and landscaping only during the coolest part of the day and observing local watering restrictions, such as designated watering days/times.
  • Repairing leaks quickly and updating old fixtures to more efficient types
  • Reducing shower time, which saves 5-7 gallons of water per minute.
  • Only running the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. This saves hundreds of gallons annually per household.

All of the resources and educational materials are available on ODNR’s Water Conservation Website.

Currently, 77.8% of the state is under varied drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates the majority of the state is currently experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions, with several counties affected by severe to exceptional drought. The drought is predicted to persist in southern and eastern Ohio and continue to develop in central, northern, and western regions. To view the current conditions, visit https://www.drought.gov/states/ohio.