Why Health and Planning?

Source: Planning Institute of Australia

“Climate change and obesity are both consequences of our current way of life. A clear link between these two conditions is our increasing reliance on fossil fuels to propel ourselves around our environment (motor cars, escalators), resulting in increasing emissions of carbon dioxide. It also reduces the use of food energy in our bodies, so that this energy is stored as fat on our waistlines. Thus from a biological perspective, both climate change and obesity are to some extent the result of the same behavioural maladaptation.”

- Professor Stephen Boyden AM, previously Professor in Human Ecology,
Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University Patron, Nature and Society Forum

Planning, health and sustainability are closely linked. There is widespread acceptance of the principle of sustainable development, due in part to the significant environmental challenges that confront society today including climate change, fossil fuel dependency, food security, rising greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water use and pollution of the air, water and soil.

Sustainable development means that development is considered appropriate if it fulfils social, cultural, environmental and economic priorities, at the same time safeguarding the interests of current and future generations. Healthy urban planning contributes to sustainable outcomes for all by:

• encouraging active transport (walking and cycling) rather than car dependency, thus reducing green house emissions
• encouraging social inclusiveness and safe communities where residents feel part of their local community, engaged and active.

There are many benefits to be gained by considering people’s health and wellbeing in conjunction with the built environment. These benefits are referred to throughout Healthy Spaces and Places.