Environmental Drivers of Health: Embracing Models of Complex Adaptive Systems Thinking
In today's rapidly evolving world, there has been a shift in healthcare priorities to focus on the nonmedical factors that impact individuals, which include environmental and social risk factors.
From the air we breathe to the water we drink, the environment plays a pivotal role in shaping our well-being. At the intersection of these complex dynamics where public health and environmental health converge, there is an opportunity for technology and analytics to pave a path for a healthier biological and environmental future.
The idea of environmental determinants of Health (EDOH) goes beyond physical landscapes; it encompasses the unique interaction between environmental factors and public health well-being on a community, local, state, and national scale. Determinants such as air quality, water quality, natural and built environments, climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and others shape population and individual health outcomes across the nation, contributing to broader public health challenges.
In the United States, disparities in environmental health are evident, with marginalized populations often bearing the highest burden of environmental hazards. (1) Recent efforts announced by the White House such as Executive Order 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, and The U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) emphasize the use of a whole-government approach to enhance health outcomes by addressing both social and environmental determinants of health and promote environmental justice, ensuring that all individuals regardless of race, income, or geographic location have equal protection from environmental hazards.
At EMI Advisors, we are committed to addressing EDOH and promoting environmental justice. Our approach is rooted in the principles of complex adaptive systems—a framework that allows us to examine the interplay of environmental, social, and health-related risks. By embracing this perspective, we help our clients make informed data-driven decisions.
Central to our capabilities is the utilization of artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Currently, we support the U.S. Navy in enhancing their understanding of climate impacts through predictive data analytics. Our in-house dashboard serves as a powerful tool, demonstrating our ability to use data and create visualizations that show the effects of carbon emissions released by military bases. More information about our work with the U.S. Navy can be found in a previous blog – EMI Helps the U.S. Navy Better Understand Climate Impacts Using Data Analytics.
By leveraging advanced technological solutions, we can transform data into actionable insights to help organizations reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their climate and environmental justice goals.
As we acknowledge the ongoing work ahead, collaboration is key for advancing environmental health initiatives. We welcome and invite stakeholders from the private and public sectors to join forces in pursuing common interests. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise to advance environmental justice – a fundamental human right.
To learn how EMI Advisors can support your climate change, environmental health, and environmental justice-related initiatives, contact hello@emiadvisors.net.
References
https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2023/11/16/climate-change-and-environmental-injustice-as-social-determinants-of-health/