Ecological Determinants of Health

necessary to sustain all life forms on earth, the environment does not affect all humans and other life equally

atmosphere, oceans, terrestrial surfaces, oxygen, clean water, soil, natural resources

children, older adults, Indigenous populations

geographic, geo-political location, and social location along axis of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, occupation, developmental stage

inequitable exposure of poor, minority, and disenfranchised populations to toxic chemicals contaminated air and water, unsafe workplaces and other forms of pollution and the disproportionate burden among these population of pollution-related diseases, often violation of their human rights

effects on physical environment is impacting Indigenous cultures, identities, food security, and health on a global scale

increase CO2, causing respiratory and cardiovascular disease

refers to the potential for a substance to cause stresses on the ecosystem by its level of toxicity on aquatic or terrestrial organisms

increasing urbanization and displacement, food and house insecurity

Indigenous perspectives, intersectional ecological-feminist approach, planetary health

Indigenous relationship to land is built with deep respect, humility, and responsibility; two-eyed seeing is holistic concept; opens possibilities for relationship with environment

refraining from two approaches 1) value dualism and 2) value-hierarchical thinking

developing opposition and exclusiveness

exploitation of resources and oppression of populations rendered more vulnerable by those with more economic and political power

concerned with the unprecedented impact of human activity on Earth's ecological systems and its consequences for human health

international, national, provincial, and municipal policies that aim at protecting the environment are the focus

includes measures such as immunization, counselling about reducing exposures, and supporting policies

involves promoting early detection or screening of environmentally related disease and limiting disability

involves recovery or rehabilitation of an environmentally related disease or condition after disease has developed

over-medicalization of humans can lead to pharmaceutical compounds in fresh water and salt water marine specie; at this level prudent medication selecting counselling is imperative