Planetary Health Interventions and the Need for a Unified Global Informatics Tool: A Narrative Review
Published: June 1, 2024 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2024/69365.19559
Jyotsna Needamangalam Balaji, Sreenidhi Prakash, Ashish Joshi, Krishna Mohan Surapaneni
1. IIIrd Professional Medical Student, Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. IIIrd Professional Medical Student, Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3. Dean and Professor, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA.
4. Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Medical Education, Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Correspondence
Dr. Krishna Mohan Surapaneni,
Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Medical Education, Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Poonamallee, Chennai-600123, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: krishnamohan.surapaneni@gmail.com
Planetary Health emphasises the sustainability of natural systems for human well-being, linking human health directly with environmental health. This interdisciplinary concept has gained importance as anthropogenic activities have led to climate changes and health impacts. Despite efforts, a cohesive approach to planetary health from local to global levels remains lacking. The present review analysed 24 sources, including grey literature and published studies, identifying 40 interventions aimed at improving planetary health. The majority of research, primarily from the United States, focuses on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Effective strategies highlighted include promoting active transportation, improving diets, increasing physical activity, and engaging with indigenous communities to protect both environmental and human health. However, a significant gap exists in integrating these interventions through a unified informatics tool, which could enhance coordination and implementation of planetary health measures globally. The review underscores the necessity for a more integrated approach and the development of a global database to consolidate and manage planetary health interventions effectively.
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