ReachHigher – Sylvia Hartmann gives lecture on “Planetary Health – Why We Have to Rethink Health”

On Monday, June 16, 2020, another edition of the UMCH lecture series ReachHigher took place via Zoom – this time with Sylvia Hartmann. The medical doctor is Vice-Chairwoman and founding member of the German Alliance on Climate Change and Health (KLUG). In her lecture titled “Planetary Health – Why We Have to Rethink Health”, she discussed the connections between our health and the state of our environment respectively the planet as a whole.

At ReachHigher, Sylvia Hartmann spoke about the oftentimes underestimated danger of heat waves, the influence of air quality on our health and the positive effect that the mere presence of plants can have on us humans. In addition, much of the discussion was about one of the biggest, most omnipresent and important issues of our time: climate change. Not only does it have a direct impact on our environment and society, but as a direct consequence it also affects our health.

After the lecture, the UMCH students were given the opportunity to ask questions as usual. One of the issues addressed was the difference between “Planetary Health” and “Global Health”. In addition, one student reported on her own experience as an environmental education activist.