On November 1, the George Washington University chapter of Students for One Health hosted their annual One Health Day event, bringing together students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Undergraduates and graduate students engaged with faculty from across the university, participating in a series of lectures and discussions that demonstrated the relevance of the One Health framework to various fields. “One Health is about breaking down silos between disciplines to create comprehensive solutions for global health challenges,” said Professor Randall Abate.
The event, organized by the executive board of GW Students for One Health, featured nine distinguished professors from departments such as the Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) Department, GW Law School, Interior Architecture & Design, and the College of Professional Studies. During the convening, six community partner professors in the GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future, shared how their unique lines of work intersect with the One Health approach to address global health challenges. “The One Health approach demonstrates that no single discipline can address these challenges alone. By working together, we can tackle issues like climate change, zoonotic diseases, and health inequities more effectively,” said Professor Michele Friend.
Environmental Law
Professor Randall Abate, Director of the Environmental and Energy Law Program
Professor Abate discussed the environmental and public health risks posed by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). He highlighted their contribution to pollution through air emissions, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Abate explained the regulatory challenges CAFOs face under the Clean Water and Air Acts and emphasized the environmental injustices they create, particularly for low-income and minority communities. He called for stronger health protections and more rigorous regulations in industrial agriculture.
Professor Katya Cronin, Associate Professor, Environmental Law
Professor Cronin focused on how healthy food systems can promote environmental justice and public health. She discussed food deserts, where access to nutritious food is limited, and their disproportionate impact on low-income communities. Cronin also addressed the sustainability of food production systems, highlighting issues like factory farming and the carbon footprint of food production. She advocated for policy reforms to support sustainable local food systems and improve access to healthy food, especially in marginalized communities.
Designing Green Environments
Professor Erin Speck, Professor of Interior Architecture, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
Professor Speck explored sustainable design practices, focusing on LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certifications that encourage energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. She also discussed the WELL Building Standard, which promotes health and wellness through design, emphasizing factors like indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Speck stressed the growing importance of integrating environmental sustainability with human health in architecture and building design.
Professor Michele Friend, Professor of Philosophy
Professor Friend addressed the ethical implications of environmental degradation and its effects on public health. She discussed the moral responsibility to preserve ecosystems that support biodiversity and essential services. Friend explored the One Health framework, highlighting the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, and argued for policies that integrate ecological preservation with public health to prevent future harm.
Health in Urban Environments
Professor Melissa Keeley, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and Environment
Professor Keeley emphasized the health benefits of urban forests, focusing on their role in mitigating urban heat islands and improving air quality. She discussed the positive effects of green spaces on public health, such as reducing heat stress and improving mental well-being. Keeley highlighted the socioeconomic disparities in access to green spaces, noting that marginalized communities often face fewer green areas, exacerbating health inequities. She advocated for policies to increase green infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods.
Professor Kelvin Fong, Assistant Professor, Environmental & Occupational Health
Professor Fong explored the connection between urban environments and public health, particularly in terms of access to green spaces and air quality. He discussed how tools like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can measure urban greenness, revealing disparities between affluent and low-income neighborhoods. Fong highlighted how gentrification often leads to increased greenery in wealthier areas while marginalizing lower-income communities. He advocated for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes health equity.
Innovation and Investments
Professor John Forrer, Director, Institute for Corporate Responsibility
Professor Forrer discussed corporate responsibility and impact investing, especially in the context of addressing climate change. He explained how voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) offer a way for companies to offset emissions but emphasized the need for third-party verification to ensure their integrity. Forrer highlighted the role of impact investors in driving sustainability goals and suggested policy incentives could help businesses adopt greener technologies and practices to address climate change.
Professor Sandra Whitehead, Director of the Sustainable Urban Planning program
Professor Whitehead focused on the importance of sustainable investments in transitioning to a greener economy. She explained how sectors like agriculture, energy, and transportation can integrate sustainability into their operations. Whitehead discussed how investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies can drive economic growth while protecting the environment. She advocated for policies that support green investments and help accelerate the shift to a low-carbon future.
Infectious Diseases and Biodefense
Professor Andrew Garrett , Assistant Professor, Emergency Health Services
Professor Garrett’s presentation focused on the One Health concept in addressing emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). He discussed how human activities like urbanization, deforestation, and global travel contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 and Ebola. Garrett emphasized the need for early detection systems and global collaboration to prevent pandemics. He advocated for policies that integrate human, animal, and environmental health to mitigate biological threats.
Each session was followed by a lively Q&A, where students and faculty engaged in dynamic discussions and exchanged ideas on how their research and expertise can contribute to the broader One Health agenda.
The event showcased the diverse ways in which One Health principles can be applied and served as a platform for fostering collaboration among students and faculty from a variety of fields. For those who attended, it was a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of global health challenges and the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health issues.