Climate Crises, Environmental Disruption, and Tourism Threats: Implications for Public Health

The phenomenon of climate change has precipitated a series of crises, resulting in significant environmental disruptions worldwide, with consequential impacts on global public health. Bali Province, Indonesia, heavily reliant on its tourism industry, finds itself particularly vulnerable to these environmental shifts, thereby necessitating urgent attention to the issue of climate change.


In alignment with the pursuit of excellence in health tourism and cognizant of the aforementioned challenges, the Bachelor and Master Programs of Public Health, along with the Psychiatric Specialist Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine at Udayana University, organized a guest lecture on Tuesday, March 28, 2024, held at the esteemed Prof. Dr. I Goesti Ngoerah Gde Ngoerah hall. The aim of this lecture was to enhance awareness among academia and students regarding the implications of climate change, particularly on tourism-dependent regions such as Bali.


The featured lecturer was Professor of Global Health and Preventive Medicine: David Zakus, BSc, MES, MSc, PhD from University of Toronto, whose presentation centered on “The intersection of Global Health and the Climate Crisis”. Professor Zakus delineated the historical trajectory of climate change and underscored the imperative for swift and decisive action. He elucidated the manifold impacts of climate crises, both direct and indirect, on human health, advocating for heightened advocacy efforts to galvanize community action in slowing the progress of climate change. Facilitating the intellectual discourse were esteemed facilitator Dr. Putu Ayu Swandewi Astuti, MPH, PhD, and moderator Dr. dr. Cok Jaya Lesmana, Sp.KJ.


The event commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. I Md. Ady Wirawan, MPH., Ph.D., the Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Information, expressing gratitude to Professor Zachus for his invaluable contributions. Prof. Wirawan underscored the significance of such academic exchanges in enriching the educational journey of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, particularly in fostering awareness of the multifaceted impacts of climate change on public health, including mental health.


Following a comprehensive presentation of relevant research findings, an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session ensued. The audience, comprising a diverse cohort of students, lecturers, and medical professionals from the Bachelor and Master of Public Health Science Study Program, as well as the Residents of Psychiatry Udayana University, actively engaged in the dialogue. Furthermore, the event attracted participation from lecturers, health officials, and hospital representatives across Indonesia via online platforms, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the discourse and its practical implications.


Through the dissemination of knowledge and collective engagement, participants were empowered to navigate and mitigate the challenges posed by this complex health issue, thereby contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices and policies. This event also serves as a testament to ongoing collaborative learning initiatives by the study programs, aligning with the university's vision and mission. It is anticipated that this lecture will provide valuable insights and catalyze future activities for students and lecturers alike, encompassing research, education, and community service in this critical area.


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