Urban Planning, Ecology, and Public Health: A Critical Triad of Leadership, Research, and Policy

"Chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes have risen commensurate with the acceleration of urbanization.  To address this, scientists and practitioners in public health, urban planning, and ecology have partnered to study the effect of the natural and built environment on the publics health.  This partnership is based on the hypothesis that better community design and access to natural resources will result in increased levels of physical activity.

As part of this effort the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are actively working with partners such as the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Parks Service, Trust for Public Lands, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  These partnerships have resulted in the development of a sustained research, evaluation, and policy agenda specifically addressing socioeconomic and ecological aspects of the built and natural environment.  Through this work a compelling perspective has developed linking the natural and build environment to public health outcomes. 

Governments and corporations worldwide are recognizing the value of a triple bottom line approach which combines the importance of social, economic, and environmental capitol. Commensurate with this, leadership in urban planning, ecology, and public health have found an alliance that also creates a powerful win-win-win triad.  Drawing from examples of the social-ecological model this presentation covers a global perspective on successes achieved, gaps being addressed, and opportunities still yet to be explored.  Case studies from Brazil, Colombia, Australia, and the U.S. will highlight successful projects that have combined the ecological, urban planning, and public health perspective." [Abstract from Conference Program and Book of Abstracts]

[Concurrent Session I-F: Human Health Issues]

[Presented at "Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces: Linking Science and Society", a conference held March 13-16, 2005 in Atlanta, GA (US)]