Our Commitment to Planetary Health

“Climate change is the greatest threat to human health of the 21st century”[1]. Climate change threatens the health and wellbeing of our population, with a total of 6 million deaths per year predicted to be attributed to the carbon economy and climate change by 2030[2-3].

Monash University is committed to responding to climate change, as articulated in our current strategic plan, Impact 2030. Monash University is home to a world leading institute bringing about change all over the world through pioneering research, education and innovation, Monash’s Sustainable Development Institute.

As a Department, we are investing in research, education and engagement activities at the interfaces between healthcare, nutrition, food systems, climate and population health. Our commitment to planetary health, and work is aligned with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals). We have mapped our research, education and engagement activities against the 17 SDGs, as visualised here and via the links below.

Education activities

Of the 129 activities mapped, 53 (41%) related to engagement activities that staff and HDR students in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food are involved in.

Engagement activties

Of the 129 activities mapped, 30 (23%) related to engagement activities that staff and HDR students in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food are involved in.

Research activities

Of the 129 activities mapped, 47 (36%) related to research being conducted by staff and HDR students in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food are involved in.

[1] Watts N, Adger WN, Agnolucci P, Blackstock J, Byass P, Cai W, Chaytor S, Colbourn T, Collins M, Cooper A, Cox PM. Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health. The Lancet. 2015: 386(10006): 1861-914.

[2] Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA). Website: www.caha.org.au Accessed 4 Aug 2019.

[3] Tagtow, Robien, Bergquist, Bruening, Dierks, Hartman, Robinson-O’Brien, Steinitz, Tahsin, Underwood & Wilkins. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Competent, Proficient, and Expert) in Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Food and Water Systems. Journal of the Academic of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2014: 114, p475-488.