Focus on Climate Change: Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical envi- ronmental challenges of our time. Envi- ronmental health professionals are increas- ingly focusing on understanding the health impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, changing disease patterns (e.g., locally transmitted malaria in Florida), and the health consequences of rising tem- peratures. Environmental health sta are often part of community teams that develop climate action and mitigation plans, as well as have a role in the planning of cooling centers. Health Impact Assessments: Health impact assessments (HIAs) have become more preva- lent in environmental health practice. HIAs evaluate the potential health eects of pro- posed policies, projects, or developments, helping decision makers to make informed choices that consider public health implica- tions. HIAs can be powerful tools to address social determinants of health. One Health Approach: The concept of One Health has gained traction, recognizing the interconnection between human health, ani- mal health, and the environment. Environ- mental health practitioners are collaborating with professionals in other disciplines, such as veterinarians and ecologists, to address health challenges holistically. Environmental Justice: There is again growing recognition of environmental injus- tices, where vulnerable and marginalized communities bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards. Environmental health practitioners are increasingly advocat-
is apparent to me that many of us have worked through a number of both unexpected and pre- dictable changes. These instances have likely created some long days and sleepless nights as we worked to address these challenges while we struggled to maintain the important pro- grams and activities that protect community members and must not be cast aside. Our plates runneth over. Increased Awareness and Concern: Over the past three decades, there has been a notable increase in public awareness and concern about environmental issues such as air and water pollution, new diseases and vectors, climate change, and many more. The accessibility of information (validated or not) often brings new issues to commu- nity activists and the media that in turn must be addressed. These changes have led to a greater demand for action from govern- ments, businesses, and individuals. Advancements in Technology and Data Analysis: Environmental health practitio- ners now have access to advanced technolo- gies and tools for data collection, monitoring, and analysis (if we can aord them or if our agency leaders empower us to access them). GIS, remote sensing, and big data analytics have revolutionized the way food safety and environmental data are gathered and used for decision making. The aordability and access to various air and water quality measuring devices make citizen science eorts more and more common. Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to have a big impact on environmental health practices, too.
ing for equity and justice in environmental decision making and policy implementation. Regulatory Changes: Environmental regu- lations have evolved over the last 30 years to address what science has identified as risks to our health. Stricter and new environmental standards and regulations have been imple- mented to protect public health. The focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is the most recent example that aects drinking water and so much more. Global Issues: Environmental health is increasingly recognized as a global issue that requires international collaboration. The global food supply system is a great example. Response and Recovery: Environmental health professionals were called on to assume many new roles during the COVID-19 response. Those roles ranged from enforce- ment to technical assistance as we learned to adapt to the best science available. These roles in recovery from natural disasters are not new, but as disasters are larger and more frequent there is also a larger demand for time and sta. Environmental public health profession- als must continually build their knowledge and be agile in responding to unique circum- stances and changing priorities. The environ- mental health practice continues to evolve as challenges and opportunities emerge in the ever-changing landscape.
tbutts@neha.org
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October 2023 • Journal of Environmental Health
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