"A Healthy Environment Supports Healthy People"
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Provided by: Harvard Public Health|Published on: February 4, 2025
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article features an interview with Wanjira Mathai about her work with the Carter Center, The Green Belt Movement, and the World Resources Institute, and the connections between human health and the environment.
- Students will learn how poverty impacts a country's ability to deal with climate change and environmental issues, how land use change impacts the water cycle, and about restoration efforts in Africa, such as agroforestry.
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Career Skills
Authors: Leah Samuel
Region: Africa, United States
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The depth of Wanjira Mathai's work and her experience in both environmental restoration and public health make her an important voice.
- The fact that both Mathai and her mother are notable figures in this environmental movement is inspirational for women and girls.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand some of the impacts of deforestation on the environment.
Differentiation & Implementation
- History students can research past instances of waterborne illness outbreaks, such as cholera, and connect them to outbreaks today. Additionally, students can research the impact of climate change on disease and water quality.
- Based on the interview, students can define a healthy environment and describe what it looks and feels like.
- Students can relate Wanjira Mathai's work to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, determining which goals are represented in and supported by her work in public health and environmentalism.
- After reading the article, students can research The Green Belt Movement or other measures for reforestation.
This interview with Wanjira Mathai accurately describes how deforestation and land use changes disrupt the water cycle, make flooding worse, and increase our vulnerability to infectious diseases. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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