Health in a changing world – Climate change and environmental emergency: from prevention to consequences
Record number of participants and immense success for The Annual Spring Meeting of EuroNet MRPH, which was held in Genoa from the 21 to the 23 June 2023.
More than 200 professionals of the world of Public Health came from all over Europe such as Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Norway, England, Croatia, France, Ireland and Turkey. This helped make this conference a global forum for discussion and exchange of ideas.
For the first time in Genoa, the event touched on crucial points in the current debate in the scientific world, hosting speakers and moderators of considerable cultural depth and experience.
The congress, titled “Health in a changing world – Climate change and environmental emergency: from prevention to consequences” addressed several issues with a One Health and Circular Health approach: climate change and the consequent modifications of the planet in which we live, the effects of pollution on ecosystems, the new frontiers of vaccinology and biotechnology, as well as the compelling need to effectively communicate the importance of global health care not only to policy makers and academia, but also and especially to the general public, in order to induce the empowerment necessary for change.
Plenary sessions, interactive workshops and panel discussions among experts enriched the event and were received with enthusiasm and interest by all participants.
A particularly significant aspect of this congress was the commitment to sustainable environment. The organization made sure that the event was completely eco-friendly, using recycled and recyclable materials. In addition, instead of distributing traditional gadgets, a project was initiated in collaboration with ZERO CO2, which led to the planting of trees in the Corniglia area of the Cinque Terre with the aim of cutting down carbon dioxide emissions.
This Initiative demonstrates the awareness and concrete actions in contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
Particular audience participation was registered in the interactive workshops, which put the spotlight on the health of the planet, mental health and eco-anxiety, climate change education, and the communication of health and science topics, and the European science contest, which awarded research and innovations from across Europe.
Among the prominent national and international speakers who spoke at the congress, it is only right to mention the presence of Professor Ilaria Capua, who gave a concluding speech on the topic of Circular Health that left the audience in the hall with many insights to ponder.
In conclusion, the EuroNet MRPH Annual Spring Meeting, organized by the School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in Genoa, played a key role in raising the alarm about climate change and in indicating the importance of immediate action to protect the health of people around the world.
With the input of internationally renowned experts, unforgettable events and strong environmental sustainability, this congress will remain in the memory of all participants as a pivotal moment in the struggle for a healthier and more sustainable future.