Health, Climate and Innovation: Aligning Purpose with Action

Global Health and Purpose—People and Planet United Summit to Open RSVP Registration in March

The intersection between health and the environment is a frontline conversation that speaks to one of humanity's great challenges—and opportunities—sustainability. As I've explored in previous Medika Life articles and as we will hear firsthand during the May 5th Global Health and Purpose—People and Planet United Summit, health and climate innovation are positioned to drive solutions that safeguard both people and the planet. Keep an eye out for the 1BusinessWorld website and RSVP link expected to go live mid-March.

The Unbreakable Bond Between Good Health and the Environment

• Air Pollution and Respiratory Disease: Consistent with prior reporting on urban and rural health disparities, research shows high pollution levels drive asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, particularly among marginalized communities.

• Water Quality and Infectious Disease: Access to clean water—the world's most precious resource—is essential to preventing infectious disease outbreaks in emerging economic regions. We must tackle blue-green algae proliferating lakes and oceans in developed nations, overcoming natural ecosystems, killing off life forms, and crushing regional tourism. 

• Climate Change and Extreme Weather: Rising temperatures increase heat-related illness and disrupt health access through floods, droughts, and displacement. Beyond the expected, extreme weather requires developers to confront realities with innovative building materials and new home energy sources.

• Nature and Mental Health: Exposure to green spaces reduces stress and boosts cognitive function, emphasizing nature's essential role in public health. We must continue to invest in open lands for community access.

Innovation as the Solution Pathway: NYC Health Innovation Week - May 6-9, organized by HITLAB, catalyzes conversations around the expansive mission to improve and secure health. The Global Health and Purpose—People and Planet United Summit, hosted by FINN Partners, HITLAB, The Galien Foundation, and 1BusinessWorld, is set to be a global conversation that amplifies the voices of industry and NGO leaders from among the health and climate innovation community whose combined efforts support long-term sustainability.

Solutions such as air quality monitoring, advanced water purification, resilient infrastructure, and renewable energy are necessary for change. The environment does impact our health. In the face of multiple challenges, innovation is the pathway to solutions. But while we seek to guard the planet, we still need to advance treatments and technologies that address people's challenges with skin ailments, heart disease, eye care, diabetes, cancer, mental health, gastrointestinal function, respiratory illness, neurological concerns, and other health priorities. Favorable policies and investments are key to future progress.

A Purpose-Driven Commitment: The mandate for this collaborative Summit is clear: Innovation is the solution to current concerns. Building on conversations championed by health and climate tech leaders, we can support people's health, drive equity, and ensure sustainable businesses and communities.

The path forward is urgent and promising. With collaborative resolve, we can secure a healthier future for people and the planet. Now is the time for action.