Health promotion and sustainable development in schools: Historical perspective

Abstract

This chapter examines in some detail the relationship between health promotion and sustainable development. It explores the existing literature and also draws on the experience of the author's professional practice as an ecologist, a science teacher, a health-promoter with the national health promotion agency in Scotland and also his work with international agencies. It sets out the history of the health promotion and sustainable development and explores ten themes which describe the common ground between health promotion, ecology and sustainable development. These themes relate to history, ecological principles, whole school approaches, complexity, partnership-working, inequalities, school improvement, political issues, ethical issues and shared solutions. The author offers detailed practical examples to help elucidate the issues. A case is made for greater collaboration and even merging the two movements within the health promoting schools approach. Practical suggestions on the nature of further research to inform this collaborative approach are made.