GAP presented key perspectives on sustainability for new government white paper
At the open meeting for the upcoming government white paper on sustainability efforts, held on 16th September 2024 in Bergen, Professor Ane Johannessen presented key insights on integrating sustainable solutions into urban planning and public health.
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During the meeting, Professor Ane Johannessen highlighted two main points: the importance of utilizing academic expertise in policy development, and the need to incorporate public health perspectives into the planning of sustainable cities and communities.
Drawing from the “Future City Visions for Better Health” symposium Johannessen organized at the European Respiratory Society conference in Vienna in September 2024, she emphasized the long-term health impacts of air pollution, comparing it to smoking, and called for stricter emission controls. She highlighted the importance of turning knowledge of disease risk factors into practical solutions, with a particular focus on outdoor air pollution and urban green spaces.
Professor Johannessen also introduced the newly launched Climate Health Initiative at the University of Bergen, a multidisciplinary project led by Professor Esperanza Dias at the Pandemic Centre, aimed at addressing health challenges associated with climate change. This initiative brings together expertise from various fields to support policymakers in creating health-promoting, sustainable communities.
Her presentation underscored the importance of viewing public health and sustainability as interconnected, and how academic knowledge can and should play a central role in both national and local policymaking.
The meeting was previously streamed and is now available to watch in the live section of the University of Bergen's YouTube channel, with Johannessen's talk beginning at the 24-minute mark. Watch the full session here.