As health professionals, we have a unique opportunity to influence both individual health outcomes and broader environmental sustainability efforts. The Alberta Environmental Network (AEN), which links Alberta based organizations committed to preserving and protecting the environment, has formed a planetary health working group – “Alberta Health Professionals for the Environment (AHPE)” – to help mobilize and coordinate the health sector towards addressing environmental risks to planetary health, including the health of humans and all species.
This Health Working Group offers resources and support to help build awareness and consensus within the health community and provide resources for health practitioners on how to effectively communicate with patients and the public about the interconnectedness of planetary and human health. We will work towards a unified health sector approach to advocate for reductions in pollution and loss of biodiversity that threaten our and future generations health and wellbeing.
Who Are We?
Members of the AHPE Working Group are drawn from a diverse range of organizations within the health sector which represent nursing, pharmacy, medicine, public health, environmental educators, health-related charities, and allied health professions and workers. Comprised of dedicated health and healthcare professionals, academics, and subject matter experts, AHPE brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this much needed space. Take a look at our AHPE Working Group Member's Directory.
What We Offer:
- Building Awareness and Consensus: Access resources and participate in initiatives aimed at raising awareness within the health community about the connections between environmental factors, human health and planetary health. Join us in promoting reduction in pollution within the health sector and the broader society (including patients, the public, governments and the private sector).
- Practitioner Education: Gain practical guidance and tools for effectively learning about the triple environmental threat and educational resources for patients and the public. Learn how to link environmental factors to health outcomes and empower patients to take action for their own health and the health of the planet.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded practitioners who share your commitment to advancing environmental health awareness and advocacy. Collaborate on AHPE and AEN projects and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable health practices and policies.
- Advocacy Tools: Access resources and toolkits to help you advocate for environmentally sustainable health solutions within your organization and community. Join us in advocating for policies and practices that prioritize both human health and environmental stewardship.
Get Involved:
Join our network of health professionals dedicated to advancing environmental health awareness and advocacy. Together, we can drive positive change in health delivery and promote a healthier planet for all. Please use the contact form to get in touch with us.
“Climate change is the greatest global health threat facing the world in the 21st century” – The Lancet Countdown (Nov. 5, 2022)
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Resources:
Find resources including:
| AHPE's Terms of Reference | The AHPE's Terms of Reference outline the Working Group's background, vision and mission, goals, activities, and information about it's membership and meetings. |
| Call to Action | This health sector Call to Action on Climate Change provides high level recommendations needed to mitigate climate change and to identify potential contributions specific to health sector organizations and their members. |
| Fact Sheet | Our Fact Sheet is appended resources on the impact of human induced climate change and pollution (i.e., greenhouse gasses) causing climate change from the health sector perspective. |
| Downloads |
Find downloadable material, including:
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| Other Practitioner Documents | Other practitioner documents, to be continually updated. |
Opportunity to Field Test:
Interested in providing feedback on our resources? We are committed to ensuring that our communications are clear, effective, and useful to all members. To achieve this, we need your valuable feedback and insights. Please share your thoughts with us.
Coming Soon:
Stay tuned for the launch of our resource database, more downloadable materials, and an events calendar. We need to work together to make informed decisions about our health, that of future generations and the planet.