Planetary Health: A Place-Based Approach

This first unit scopes and interrogates concepts, origins and the development of the planetary health approach – the relationship and interdependence between the health of people and of the planet. The context setting place-based approach, which focuses upon finding socially equitable local solutions relevant to local communities, whilst sharing globally is interrogated. Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing and relationships with Country foreground these explorations. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are contextualised by the ongoing spatial and political contestations as a consequence of colonialism, and increasingly frame global and local policy and action, provide a lens to explore key debates and challenges. As we interrogate new ideas and thinking, students will have the opportunity to draw upon expert commentators, theorists and researchers through conversation. Through surveying key issues, principles and approaches, this first unit informs the subsequent units.