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There are 5 modules in this course
This fifth and final course is centered on planetary health as a fundamental health determinant. As we consider how the health of humans is dependent on the health of Earth’s natural systems, we will also explore how to apply futures thinking and foresight principles to planetary health initiatives. The topics of this course include:
1. Introduction to Planetary Health
2. Values and Sources of Knowledge
3. Action and Movement Building
4. Foresight
5. Data Applications: Regression Analysis and Scatter Plot Visualization
The field of planetary health is based on the idea that the health of humans is dependent on the health of Earth’s natural systems. This module introduces the concept of planetary health and explains how it can be used as a framework for understanding other social determinants of health. The first lesson provides an overview of planetary health as a discipline, paradigm and movement. Lesson two explores the Indigenous origins of planetary health, and how the Great Acceleration has rapidly increased anthropogenic changes to the environment. Finally, in lesson three, we examine how planetary health addresses environmental determinants of health.
Introduction to Course 5: Planetary Health•2 minutes
Introduction to Planetary Health Part 1•5 minutes
Evolution of the Planetary Health Paradigm Part 2•10 minutes
How Does Planetary Health Address Environmental Determinants of Health? Part 3•3 minutes
6 readings•Total 60 minutes
Planetary Health: A New Science for Exceptional Action•10 minutes
Supplementary Resource•0 minutes
From Public to Planetary Health: A Manifesto•10 minutes
Podcast - Interview with Sir Andrew Haines•15 minutes
Responding to COVID-19 Requires Strong Epidemiological Evidence of Environmental and Societal Determining Factors•10 minutes
Case study: The Interconnectedness of People and Planet: Learning from Māori Worldviews•15 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Introduction to Planetary Health - Practice•30 minutes
Introduction to Planetary Health - Graded•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
Introduction to Planetary Health•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 4 minutes
Planetary Health: The Future is Now•4 minutes
Values and Sources of Knowledge
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
Module 2 builds on what you learned in the previous module, as we take a more in depth look at planetary boundaries and the key data supporting our current understanding of planetary health. Climate change is not the only issue we are facing, and in lesson two, we investigate the broad range of environmental issues caused by humans and the resulting human health impacts of these disruptions. In lesson three, we take a look at the 12 cross-cutting principles of planetary health education which define the guiding themes and values of the emerging field. These principles provide a foundation for the growing interest and efforts in the field. We wrap up this module by looking at sources of planetary health knowledge, as we begin to reflect on how we can all take action in improving planetary health.
Introduction to Planetary Health Values and Sources of Knowledge•4 minutes
Planetary Boundaries and Key Data Indicating Our Current Status Part 1•11 minutes
Key Disruptions of Natural Systems and Their Human Health Impacts Part 2•11 minutes
Planetary Health Values Part 3•8 minutes
Sources of Planetary Knowledge Part 4•8 minutes
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
The Nine Planetary Boundaries•15 minutes
Supplementary Resource•0 minutes
Effects of Increased Concentrations of Atmospheric CO2 on the Global Threat of Zinc Deficiency•15 minutes
Cross-Cutting Principles for Planetary Health Education•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Planetary Health Values and Sources of Knowledge - Practice•30 minutes
Planetary Health Values and Sources of Knowledge - Graded •30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
Planetary Health Values and Sources of Knowledge•15 minutes
1 plugin•Total 2 minutes
Robin Bronen - Climate Change Impacts on Native Alaskan Coastal Communities•2 minutes
Action and Movement Building
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we will explore movement building and emerging evidence-based planetary health solutions as we discuss how to combat the complex environmental issues covered in previous modules. Lesson one introduces the idea of The Great Transition, which will require innovation across fields and collaboration across social sectors to address planetary health concerns. We will also review organizations focused on evidence-based climate change solutions. In lesson two, we will analyze strategies for organizing an effective movement to enact widespread planetary health initiatives that will create change on a global scale. While the issue of planetary health can seem overwhelming, lesson three offers reasons to be hopeful for the future, as we consider the changes we can make in our own life to address planetary health issues.
Introduction to Planetary Health Action and Movement Building•6 minutes
Emerging Evidence-Based Planetary Health Solutions Part 1•13 minutes
Core Principles of Movement Building Part 2•13 minutes
Interview with Dr. Julia Nerbonne•11 minutes
Reason for Hope Part 3•10 minutes
5 readings•Total 125 minutes
Improving Rural Health Care Reduces Illegal Logging and Conserves Carbon in a Tropical Forest•20 minutes
Case Study - Today's Solutions for the Future of Food•20 minutes
Planetary Health: From Concept to Decisive Action•10 minutes
Organizing: People, Power, Change•60 minutes
The Nurses are Here! Nurses Drawdown, A Global Movement to Address Climate Change•15 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Planetary Health Action and Movement Building - Practice•30 minutes
Planetary Health Action and Movement Building•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 15 minutes
Planetary Health and Movement Building•15 minutes
2 plugins•Total 30 minutes
Drawdown: Is it Possible to Reverse Global Warming•12 minutes
Kinari Webb - Saving Lives by Saving Trees•18 minutes
Foresight
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce the concept of futures literacy and foresight leadership as people tackle the challenges of planetary health initiatives. People who want to bridge innovations across contexts must become time-conscious, future literate and embrace the dynamics of appreciation, influence and agency as they navigate change and transformation efforts. The development of futures literacy involves attention to the development and cultivation of futures thinking and foresight leadership. In part one, foresight is defined and several types of foresight leadership styles are described. In part two, strategies to develop foresight leadership are described and people are invited to apply futures thinking and foresight principles and practices to planetary health initiatives.
Planetary Health, Futures Thinking, and Foresight Leadership Part 1•9 minutes
Planetary Health, Futures Thinking and Foresight Leadership Part 2•6 minutes
4 readings•Total 140 minutes
About Futures Studies•10 minutes
Global Challenge 8•20 minutes
A Stitch in Time? Realizing the Values of Futures and Foresight•70 minutes
Addressing the Environmental, Community and Health Impacts of Resource Development•40 minutes
2 assignments•Total 60 minutes
Foresight - Practice•30 minutes
Foresight - Graded•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Foresight•10 minutes
2 plugins•Total 11 minutes
Transforming the Future•8 minutes
Global Challenge 8•3 minutes
Data Applications: Regression Analysis and Scatter Plot Visualization
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module will focus on analyzing, displaying and interpreting social determinants of health data, with a particular focus on predicting health outcomes based on various social determinants of health and environmental variables. Lesson one will provide an overview of regression analysis and scatter plot visualization. In lesson two, we will learn how to conduct regression analyses and create scatter plots in R. Using the NHANES dataset, we will predict general health status based on age, BIPOC, marital status, education, household size, income, insurance, BMI, depression, smoker, and drinks/day. Using the Omaha System dataset, we will predict final status score based on baseline status score, BIPOC, marstat and social determinant of health variables. Finally, we will discuss how to interpret the results of our analysis as we visualize our findings using line graphs and scatter plots.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.