"Healthy Environments, Healthy Lives"

By Er. Gargi Mishra

World Environmental Health Day, observed annually on September 26th, emphasizes the importance of environmental health and its impact on human well-being. It raises awareness about the impact of factors like pollution, climate change, and access to clean water on human health and promotes actions to improve environmental conditions, support sustainable practices, and enhance quality of life. Celebrations often involve educational campaigns, community events, and policy discussions to address key environmental health issues and drive positive change. Established by the International Federation of Environmental Health, the day emphasizes the need for resilient communities, disaster risk reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

•    The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), a global organization representing environmental health professionals in over 100 countries, organizes this day.

What ?
•    Environmental health, encompassing air quality, water safety, waste management, and chemical exposure, is crucial for preventing health issues like respiratory diseases and chronic conditions due to urbanization and industrialization.
•    Environmental health is a branch of public health that focuses on the relationship between people and their environment.

The Interconnectedness of Human and Environmental Health

World Environmental Health Day, celebrated on September 26, 2025, highlights the complex relationship between human health and the environment, highlighting the impact of factors like air pollution, water contamination, climate change, and inadequate sanitation on physical and mental health, promoting sustainable living practices and addressing public health risks.

Individuals can significantly contribute to environmental health by reducing plastic usage, conserving water, and supporting local agriculture, and advocating for policies that prioritize sustainability.

Global Challenges

The world faces numerous environmental health challenges, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss etc. For example, air pollution alone is responsible for millions of premature deaths annually, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, contaminated water sources can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dysentery, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

The Importance of Environmental Health

Environmental health is a crucial public health aspect focusing on human health and well-being by ensuring safe environments, promoting air quality, water and sanitation, waste management, and food safety, thereby preventing diseases.

Environmental health is crucial for the world for several reasons:

1.    Human Health: A healthy environment is crucial for human health, as pollution, contaminated water, and poor sanitation can lead to various health issues like respiratory, cardiovascular, cancer, and infectious diseases.

2.    Ecosystem Balance: Environmental health promotes ecosystem balance, crucial for biodiversity and natural processes, providing clean air, water, and soil fertility, and essential services like water and soil fertility.

3.    Quality of Life: Clean and safe environments enhance quality of life by providing access to clean air, water, and green spaces, promoting overall well-being, recreational, and aesthetic benefits.

4.    Economic Impact: Investing in a healthy environment can boost economic stability and growth by reducing healthcare expenses and productivity loss, while supporting sustainable industries.

5.    Global Interconnectedness: Environmental issues, often affecting people globally, can be improved through collaborative efforts, leading to better outcomes and promoting international cooperation.

6.    Climate Stability: Addressing environmental health issues is crucial for combating climate change, which impacts global weather patterns, sea levels, and extreme events, ensuring climate stability for agricultural productivity and species survival.

Environmental health is crucial for human health, resource preservation, economic stability, and global quality of life.
The day's purpose is to: Highlight the importance of environmental health for human health, encourage action to address environmental issues, promote sustainable practices, and encourage environmental health literacy.

The author is an accomplished researcher, holding a Master's degree (M.Tech) additionally PGIPR law. with diverse expertise spanning across fields, including Biotechnology, Genetics, Life science, Clinical research, nutrition, IPR Law, environmental science, bio conservation, Molecular  biology, Computer sc. etc. She has significantly contributed to government Research centres and Universities as well as various private sectors, applying her expertise to address critical challenges and drive meaningful progress.