World Health Day 2022

This years' theme is: Our planet, Our health.
We'll be talking about health hazards of environmental crisis.

“If we continue on our current path, we will face the collapse of everything that gives us our security,” ⁠ - David Attenborough, Naturalist.⁠

Environmental crisis is happening right now, it has actually been going on for decades and our planet cannot hold it any longer, same with humanity's health and well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 13 million people die each year due to preventable environmental causes around the world. This includes the climate crisis, which is the world's single and greatest health concern.

How does the environmental crisis affect one's health? 

Climate and environmental issues underline our daily life routine and this sadly, shouldn’t be the case.

You may already have noticed extreme unusual heat and cold weather in the same year but that’s just one of the thousands of problems. Here are some of the problems that world citizens face everyday (this is just the tip of the iceberg):

- 90% of us breathe unhealthy air from burning fossil fuels, dust, and pollution.
- Mosquitoes spreading disease faster than ever due to rising temperatures.
- Diminished land and water resources increasing world hunger every day.
- Plastics making their way into our food chain and were recently discovered in human blood.
- Unhealthy processed food generating one third of global greenhouse gas emissions and becomes people's daily choices encouraging obesity, cancer, and heart disease. 

How is it a threat to one's security? 

Each year, 16 million people are relocated as a result of weather-related catastrophe. People forced to leave because their once-fertile home is now a desert and girls forced to quit school because her daily search for water takes her away from her home into the sights of human traffickers.

Not only that, environmental security is also at risk. Human activities result in global climatic and environmental change causing food shortages. Agricultural output, forestry, fishing, mining, and even environmentally dependent services like tourism are all affected by environmental change.

The impact of environmental change is much bigger than what we would’ve thought. It has become a threat to human peace, well-being, security, and economic growth. Furthermore, the current economic structure results in inequitable income, wealth, and power distribution, with far too many people still living below the poverty line.

No doubt that these matters need to be taken care of as soon as possible. Cooperation of legislative action, corporate reform and incentives for individuals to support healthy choices is highly required

So what can we do?

- Stay conscious about things you consume on an everyday basis.
- Embrace sustainability, always look for an alternative, eco swaps.
- Follow media dedicated to sustainability.

You can also show your support by directly donating here:

- Friends of Earth
Friends of the Earth is a campaigning organisation that operates in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.It has launched campaigns to reduce air pollution and save the British Bee, as well as offering information and tools. Those interested in getting involved with one of the top climate change charities in the UK can join a local group, donate, or sign petitions.

- National Association for Environmental Education
The National Association for Environmental Education has been promoting environmental education in the United Kingdom for the past 50 years. It aims to educate people about the importance of living more sustainably in order to protect our planet's future. The NAEE is also a non-profit organisation that supports environmental education for children as early as possible. Those interested in getting engaged can donate or join as members.

- Green Alliance
Green Alliance advocates for improved environmental laws and policies in the UK. It is both a charity and an independent think tank dedicated to keeping people up to date on environmental issues. Since its establishment in 1979, it has collaborated with powerful business leaders, non-governmental organisations, and politicians to strengthen political action. Donations, individual memberships, and project support are all options for anyone who wants to get involved.

- Renewable UK​​
Renewable UK strives to increase the number of green energy-using households in the United Kingdom. It aims for houses to use energy from renewable sources, such as wind and sun.

It’s time to act for our planet, the faster, the better. Our planet, our health.