Galala University Hosts Seminar on Planetary Health: Bridging the Past, Present and Future Determinants of Health
In December 2022, Galala University hosted a pivotal seminar titled “Planetary Health: Bridging the Past, Present and Future Determinants of Health.” The event convened researchers, academics, students and public health experts to explore the intricate linkages between human health, ecological systems and planetary-scale changes.
Speakers delved into how past patterns of environmental degradation, present dynamics of climate change and ecosystem disruption, and future projections of human-land-water system interactions all converge to impact public health. Key topics included how loss of biodiversity, pollution of air and water, changing land use and rising temperatures affect disease emergence, food security, mental health and community resilience.
The seminar emphasized that addressing these interconnected challenges requires transdisciplinary approaches — combining insights from environmental science, medicine, urban planning and policy. One focus was how institutions like universities must adapt by incorporating planetary health concepts into curricula, research and institutional practices.
Attendees explored case studies on ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, clean energy transitions, and urban greening as methods to safeguard both human and planetary health. The discussions reinforced that safeguarding the planet is ultimately an act of protecting human well-being, with future generations especially at stake.
Galala University reaffirmed its commitment to championing education and innovation that promote planetary health — linking its efforts to global Sustainable Development Goals and investing in research, awareness and institutional capacity to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene era.
