Greek Students' Planetary Health Profile: A Master's Program in Environmental Communication and Health Promotion

Abstract

The emergence of Covid-19 demonstrates a breakdown in humanity's relationship with the natural world (Frumkin and Myers, Planetary health: protecting nature to protect ourselves, pp 487–496, 2020). Escaping the “Pandemic Era” will need transformational adjustments and a profound rethinking of our connection with nature (The Lancet Planetary Health, Lancet Planet Health 5(1):E1, 2021; Harris, Participatory media in environmental communication, 2019). Considering how demanding—and at the same time unique this time is- early Anthropocene 2.0 consciousness is a concept worth exploring. Anthropocene 2.0 requires the development of communication skills on issues of environmental and public health concern. Our global health research and training communities and institutions must examine, reflect on, and reform the methods through which we promote and maintain planetary health (Haldane and Berry, The Lancet Planetary Health 5:E10, 2021). Professionals must successfully translate science, convey costs and benefits, and involve stakeholders in pressing environmental issues. Lessons from the pandemic emphasize the significance of systems thinking, the need for collaborative action, and the potential of rapidly changing global behavior. The present Covid-19 “silent period” offered a unique chance to launch a new graduate program in Environmental Communication and Health Promotion at the University of West Attica in Greece. It is critical to know the profile characteristics of those who were selected to attend this graduate program. The pertinent information will give a clear understanding of why people choose the specific field of study. This paper evaluates trainees’ health consciousness, environmental awareness, pro-environmental behavior, environmental activism, and personal values.