GiveWell’s Post

A recent study reveals that over 4.4 billion people, more than half the world's population, do not have access to safe drinking water at home, doubling previous estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This alarming figure stems from improved measurement methods, not a sudden loss of water access. This alarming study exemplifies how data science can drive social impact by enabling a deeper understanding of global challenges, leading to better solutions in fields like public health and environmental management. https://lnkd.in/gfBVcr5h

This week is National Public Health Week (NPHW), April 1 – 7, 2024.  Join OTA in celebrating and recognizing the contributions of public health in making our communities healthier, safer, and more equitable.  This year’s theme is Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving, and daily themes include healthy neighborhoods, climate change, and emergency preparedness, among others.    OTA's staff of public health practitioners, engineers, and chemists work to prevent pollution by providing free and confidential technical assistance to businesses to reduce their use of toxic chemicals and find safer alternatives that can prevent harmful environmental exposures and risks to health.  Our focus on environmental justice and equity in toxics use reduction, resource conservation, and pollution prevention helps to make communities healthier for everyone. To learn more about National Public Health Week, visit: https://nphw.org/ To learn more about OTA’s Chemical Safety and Climate Change Resiliency services, including a mapping tool where you can look up an address to visualize surrounding chemical use factors, environmental justice populations, and risks of extreme weather, see this link: https://lnkd.in/eURDZ-Dp To request free and confidential technical assistance for your business from OTA staff, go to this link: https://lnkd.in/ep2BZeCM #NPHW #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #EnvironmentalJustice #ToxicsUseReduction #PollutionPrevention #P2 #APHA

Join us on Oct 27 at 9 am-10am PT for a deep dive into #climatechange and health with experts Dr. Michael Brauer, Hallah Kassem, and Dr. Jiayun Angela Yao. Explore recent research on #wildfiresmoke to #extremeheat and learn about #UBC's new initiatives. https://bit.ly/46NDelm

After years of work researching and analyzing this topic, our publication is out! Go give it a read and see what you think

Friday, I had the privilege to speak out against the proposed increase in greenhouse gas emissions by Georgia Power. As an MPH student focusing on global epidemiology, I highlighted the profound impact of air pollution on public health and economic productivity. It's crucial to recognize that healthy air isn't just about environmental sustainability; it directly correlates with better health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased productivity. Ignoring these factors not only harms individuals but also poses significant challenges to societal progress. Studies consistently show the detrimental effects of air pollution on cognitive development, worker productivity, and overall community well-being. By advocating for cleaner, renewable energy sources, we can safeguard both public health and economic prosperity in Georgia. I'm grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness about this critical issue and to contribute to the dialogue on creating a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities. Together, let's work towards a cleaner, greener tomorrow! #CleanEnergy #PublicHealth #Sustainability #communityimpact

After 30+ years of requests, Indigenous communities near Alberta's oilsands are finally getting a health impact study. The Canadian government is investing $12 million over 10 years to investigate potential pollution effects. With concerns about cancer rates and water contamination, this research could be crucial for local health and environmental policies. What do you think about this long-awaited study? Learn more: https://loom.ly/skt3hAg

🌱 On #WorldEnvironmentDay – we cannot ignore the threat pollution has to the climate and our health 🔊 But not enough is being done about #NoisePollution. Noise is one of the biggest environmental threats to health in Europe, after #AirPollution. Caused by sources including traffic, industry and construction – noise pollution impacts our #MentalHealth and long term exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. #BestCostEU sets out to improve methodologies to build scientific evidence on the socioeconomic cost of noise and air pollution. This evidence will support improved policies to reduce the health and environmental threats we face. Find out more https://best-cost.eu/ #HorizonEurope

🌍 Celebrating World Health Day 2024: "My Health, My Right" 🌍 Today, as we observe World Health Day, we stand in solidarity with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to honor the theme 'My Health, My Right' that mirrors the essence of the Hydrosense mission. This year, the WHO brings to the forefront the right to quality health services, education, and information, emphasising the need for access to safe drinking water, clean air, nutritious food, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination. https://bit.ly/49Rs5kO At Hydrosense, we champion the cause of safe water as a life-enabling resource rather than a risk to health. Unsafe water is a harbinger of disease and a barrier to socio-economic development. By focusing our efforts on providing safe water solutions, we address the very root of public health challenges, ensuring that communities not only survive but thrive. With recent CDC reports highlighting the risk and impact of Legionella in drinking water systems, we believe our efforts are a testament to our belief in the WHO's vision of a world where health rights, including the right to safe water, are realised for all. As we commemorate 'My Health, My Right' today, we reiterate our commitment to our values and mission. By educating people to facilitate safe water, we are not just preventing diseases, like Legionnaires' disease; we are enabling life, dignity, and prosperity. https://bit.ly/49Y5vqG #WorldHealthDay #MyHealthMyRight #AccessToSafeWater #Hydrosense #HealthEquity #SustainableDevelopment #GlobalHealth

 Cyanobacteria Webinar Annoucement When: March 20, 2024, 12pm Where: Virtual via Go to Webinar Subject: Cyanobacteria in New Hampshire and How You Can Help On Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 12pm, NHDES will host a webinar to provide an overview of the science of cyanobacteria blooms and how the public can keep safe. The webinar will feature Kate Hastings, Cyanobacteria HAB Program Manager and NHDES’ subject matter expert. Kate will dive into the science of cyanobacteria and describe how to do a self-risk assessment. She will also provide a detailed description of what happens at NHDES when a bloom is reported, walking through our initial response, monitoring (immediate and on-going while the bloom is present), and notification process and answer questions from the public. The webinar is open to anyone interested in learning more about cyanobacteria. You will receive an email from NHDES with an access link for the webinar once you register. The summer and fall of 2023 were record-breaking for the number of cyanobacteria Warnings and Alerts issued in New Hampshire. Cyanobacteria blooms can threaten public health, impede recreation, and negatively affect business revenues, tourism, and property values. Knowing how to identify blooms and understanding the risks they pose are key to safely enjoying New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers. This webinar will describe: How to perform a self-risk assessment, including identifying blooms and being aware of common look-alikes. How to stay informed about bloom occurrences in New Hampshire. NHDES’ process for evaluating bloom samples to determine if a risk to public health is likely present. Trends in bloom Warnings in New Hampshire. This presentation is part of a series of webinars hosted by NHDES in follow up to the release in November 2023 of a statewide strategy to prevent the increase of, and eventually control, cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire’s surface waters. The plan was required by the state legislature and included input from a 17-person cyanobacteria advisory committee. The webinar will be recorded, and a link of the recording will be posted online at https://lnkd.in/es_UfJuX.

🌳 Natural England has released its most extensive review to date on the connection between nature, human health, and well-being. 📒 This comprehensive review screened over 2,000 evidence reviews and identified 104 key publications, highlighting the intrinsic link between nature and our well-being. We know that nature serves as the foundation of life, providing essentials like clean air, food, and shelter, while also regulating climate and controlling disease. The report emphasises the benefits of nature-based interventions such as outdoor activities and education, while also pointing out the negative impacts of degraded nature on human health. Government support, exemplified by England's Environmental Improvement Plan, provides a framework for action, aiming to increase accessibility to green and blue spaces. This is complemented by initiatives recognising the importance of nature in various sectors, from healthcare to education and levelling up missions. For disadvantaged children, schools often represent their sole opportunity to access educational outings, holidays, cultural experiences, and travelling beyond their immediate community—experiences considered routine for the majority of children. Unfortunately, escalating energy costs and pervasive cuts in public funding are stretching school budgets to the limit and beyond. Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the Trussell Trust and others show a sharp increase in destitution and poverty in 2023. This is where we come in. The report underscores the importance of initiatives like The Country Trust #Farm Discovery 🚜 , #Food Discovery 🥕 and #Countryside Discovery Residential 🏕 programmes. Our programmes, free to eligible schools, provide disadvantaged children with the opportunity to connect with, and experience the natural world. You can read the Natural England report here ⬇