Diogo Guedes Vidal – författare

This book aims to give a contribution to a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the cross-cutting issues on energy, environment and health research topics in the current world scenario, where nations all over the world are struggling to accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to ensure sustainable patterns for all. This interdisciplinary implies a commitment between all fields of science, working together to provide knowledge that could result in the promotion of quality of life. At the present, it is evident that not all people benefit from sustainable policies and practices and the communication between health, energy, environmental and social problems is undeniable. A call for different views could be a pathway attracting universities, stakeholders, organizations and civil society to deeply discuss how one solution does not fit all societies. Few publications are coherently handling this matter. This book is expected to fill this gap and to develop an interest in a larger audience working in general sustainable development and cross-cutting issues. This book is produced by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR). 

This book contains a set of papers which explore the links among climate change, health, and hazards and demonstrate how they interact. It emphasizes the urgency of immediate and more ambitious action to address climate risks. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human-induced climate change is known to be causing dangerous and widespread disruptions in nature and is affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, despite efforts to reduce the risks. Climate change is also negatively influencing health and is mounting threat to our wellbeing and a healthy planet. 

The world is also facing significant climate hazards over the next two decades, with global warming expected to soon reach 1.5°C. Even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which may be irreversible. There is therefore a perceived need for publications which may foster a greater understanding of how climate changeconnects to human health and the role played by hazards in this context. It is against this background that this book is being prepared.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects planetary health and what this means for our collective future. In recent years, the discourse surrounding climate change has grown increasingly urgent and for good reasons. Our planet is undergoing unprecedented transformations driven by human activities, which are altering the delicate balance of our ecosystems. The term "planetary health" has emerged to encapsulate the interdependent relationship between the health of human populations and the health of the natural systems on which we depend. The genesis of this book lies in a simple yet profound realization: the well-being of our planet is inextricably linked to our own well-being. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we consume—all are products of a complex web of environmental processes that are now being disrupted by climate change. As temperatures rise, sea levels increase, and weather patterns become more erratic, the ripple effects touch every aspect of life on Earth, from human health to biodiversity, from food security to economic stability. The chapters within this book are contributions from leading experts across various fields—climate science, ecology, medicine, economics, and social sciences—each providing unique insights into the multifaceted impacts of climate change. We explore the scientific evidence of climate change and discuss the consequences for natural and human systems and potential solutions that can help mitigate these impacts. This interdisciplinary approach is needed, as the challenges posed by climate change are complex and interconnected, requiring holistic and collaborative strategies. This book does not merely catalog the problems; it also focuses on solutions. From innovative technologies to policy frameworks and grassroots movements, there are numerous pathways to a more sustainable and equitable future. The transition to a low-carbon economy, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the implementation of effective public health strategies are just a few of the measures that can help us navigate the challenges ahead. With its engaging narrative, richly detailed analysis, and forward-looking perspective, the book is an essential read for anyone concerned about the fate of our planet and the critical role of climate change in influencing it. It serves as a clarion call to action, urging readers to consider the legacy we wish to leave for future generations.