Utrecht Science Week: 6 events of Planetary Health

Planetary Health at Utrecht university

Our health depends largely on the health of all the ecosystems we depend on. This realisation, which is becoming increasingly urgent in light of the current environmental crisis, calls for research with a broad perspective. Under the umbrella of the Planetary Health thematic community Planetary Health (Utrecht University), several Utrecht research themes come together to address global sustainable health issues.

Utrecht Life Sciences: Open Meeting Planetary Health Community

Friday 27 September

Scientists, faculty, staff and students meet during the Open Meeting of Planetary Health. There will be a joint review of actions within Planetary Health and the Life Sciences community and a look at shaping the shared vision of Planetary Health. Together with the other participants, brainstorm on creative ideas and strategies to promote societal change. The meeting will end with drinks and music. Will you be there? More information.

Climate disinformation workshop: increase your resilience to this health risk

Monday 30 September

Nowadays, a lot of disinformation is being spread about climate change, mostly through social media. Suddenly, everyone is a climate or transition expert. Despite the danger of disinformation, a serious counter voice from the government and the academy is missing. What are the dangers and how should we deal with them? Take part in the workshop and learn to recognise disinformation, counter it and engage with colleagues and experts on this topic. More information.

Book Club, ‘Less is More’

Tuesday, 1 October

Leading thinker and economist Jason Hickel wrote the book ‘Less is more’ about the necessity and possibilities of outgrowth economies (‘Degrowth’). He describes how infinite economic growth is always at the expense of people, animals or nature and how a society that is not primarily focused on growth can have health, equality and well-being at its core. Intrigued by these ideas? Or perhaps you have doubts? Come to the book club, learn more about de-growth and join the conversation. More information.

Fair food transitions, health and degrowth

Wednesday, 2 October

Our food systems are making the planet and its inhabitants sick. 44% of our habitable land is used for intensive agriculture and animal husbandry. This agriculture leans on the use of manure, pesticides and frequent water use. This evening will explore how our health systems can be organised differently and more fairly for the health of nature and people. Come to the lecture, listen and join interesting discussions on different visions of the future working towards a healthier and more fair world. More information.

Present at the lecture will be photographer Kadir van Lohuizen, World Press Photo award winner. He has focused his camera on the global food industry in recent years.

Round Table on Ethical Academic Partnerships: A Collaborative Brainstorm

Thursday 3 October

What values should guide academic collaborations and how can they collaborate with industries that are affected by health or the planet? Initiated by the student organisation IFMSA-NL, this session has been organised to brainstorm on the future of ethical collaborations in academia.

This session brings together researchers, students and university staff to explore important questions. Through open dialogue and bringing together different perspectives, a framework is developed for collaborations that reflect the values of sustainability, integrity and social responsibility.

Work together for a more ethical academic future! More information.

Eco-emotions: film screening and Socratic dialogue

Thursday 3 October

How does the climate crisis affect you and how can you turn these feelings into action?

During this event, you are invited to reflect on the emotional dimensions of the climate crisis. The evening starts with the screening of the short film ‘Over Morgen’ (About Tomorrow), which shows how young people are affected by the climate crisis. After the screening, philosopher Rudolf Kamper will take you on a dialogue to explore your own climate emotions. More information.