Research examines links between human and planetary health

Climate change and environmental degradation will cause new health problems that health professionals need to manage, says University of Auckland research fellow Dr Eileen Gilder.

That’s why she has launched new research on the connections between human and planetary health.

The Health Research Council granted $29,830 to Gilder and her team to look at the skills and tools health professionals need to provide care for problems caused by poor planetary health.

An experienced nurse who researches in the University’s School of Nursing and Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, Gilder says human health is inextricably linked to the health of the natural world.

“Experts have said climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century.

“We want to find out what health workers need so they are ready to deal with new diseases and changing conditions that are likely to emerge in New Zealand as a result of climate change,” says Gilder.

New Zealand is getting hotter, which could lead to a raft of new health issues.

Mosquito species that pass on diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever and West Nile virus, are likely to enter northern areas of Aotearoa as the air gets warmer.

More wildfires will increase the risks of burns and raise levels of particulates in the air, which can exacerbate respiratory problems, such as asthma.

Hot weather forces the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, putting extra strain on the heart, lungs and kidneys. Extreme heat can cause heat stroke and acute kidney injury and increases the risks from diabetes and cardiovascular, mental health and respiratory conditions.

Floods from more severe storms can cause injuries; contaminate drinking water, causing gastro-intestinal illnesses; and destroy people’s homes, leading to mental health impacts.

Other types of environmental degradation also impact on human health, says Gilder.

“We have lots of effluent and run-off in rivers, causing toxic algae and E. coli outbreaks.

“Synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and cow urine from intensive dairy farming are causing high nitrate levels in drinking water in some parts of New Zealand.

“If we look after the land and water, that will have a direct impact on people’s health.”

The research is a joint project between the schools of nursing and pharmacy at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. 

It was inspired by Gilder’s involvement as a mentor in a global student-led movement to create Planetary Health Report Cards.

Students are currently undertaking the first Planetary Health Report Card for the University’s School of Nursing, while the School of Pharmacy completed its first report last year.

These reports assess health schools’ sustainability measures, their research and advocacy on planetary health, and whether curriculums include planetary health content.

Gilder will start her research project by reviewing existing evidence about what skills and knowledge health professionals need to be able to provide climate-aware care to patients. This will be followed by a wānanga to learn more from health professionals about their needs as they consider the challenges of a changing future.

The researchers plan to form an advisory group for the next stage of the project, which will involve a national survey to develop strategies and a toolkit to create a climate-ready and resilient workforce in Aotearoa.

Gilder hopes the project might encourage people within the health sector to contemplate the connections between humans and the planet – and lead by example.

“Within healthcare, I think we have a moral obligation to look after the planet for future generations.

“Health professionals are going to have to pick up the pieces of the health impacts of climate change, but the health industry has a massive carbon footprint, so it also contributes to climate change. We need to mitigate that,” she says.

The research team includes the University’s head of the School of Nursing Professor Julia Slark, Associate Professor of nursing Rachael Walker, senior lecturers in the School of Pharmacy Dr Sara Hanning and Dr Trudi Aspden, professional teaching fellow Rubina Bogati, and honorary teaching fellow in nursing Bobbie-Jo Pene.