ICS Estudos e Relatórios Nº1 / 2019

ICS E S T U D O S e R E L A T Ó R I O S 2019 Part 4: Coordinating Health Policy Implementation and Communication Prof. Montira Pongsiri, Senior Research Associate, Planetary Health Science Policy, Cornell University In practice, the interconnections and feedback loops that are core to a systems-based understanding can reveal tradeoffs and unintended consequences of policy decisions – at the outset, these revelations present essential opportunities for mitigation of any adverse effects to health, wellbeing, long-term environmental sustainability, etc. Health (SDG 3) is central to delivering on the 2030 Agenda. As one participant noted, "health is the natural integrator." This is a critical entry point. The value of taking a systems approach to understanding and identify solutions to current and future urban health and wellbeing challenges can in practice be demonstrated by valuing the environmental and health costs of not taking a systems approach; and, by evaluating the ecological and health benefits of taking a systems-based, co-benefits approach. Demonstration studies are critical for illustrating multi and transdisciplinary cooperation to build systems-based understanding and to apply that understanding to inform decisions. To this end, invitations are open for scholars who are interested in collaborating on a proposed ASEAN UN project, "Using Environmental Health Data and Tools to Advance the SDGs in ASEAN. Prof. Luísa Schmidt, Principal Researcher, Institute of Social Sciences - University of Lisbon Public Health and Communication Public health issues and the new risks generated by climate change require action at two levels: specific public policies in this area and a population that is better prepared to be a protagonist in its own protection and defence. For this to happen, it is necessary to have a public commitment to provide useful information and to invest in education and public participation. Environmental issues, and particularly climate change, are an excellent laboratory for thinking about these issues.