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Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice

Richard Neitzel

The fourth and final course of the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health specialization will cover two topics. The first is environmental justice – that is, avoiding an inequitable distribution of environmental health threats in our population, and ensuring a healthy and safe environment and health equity for all. The second is risk assessment and management, a framework that can be utilized to assess and quantify human health risks, and to identify appropriate approaches to mitigating those risks and promoting better health. We will explore the steps involved in risk assessment, as well as how risk assessment can incorporate and address environmental justice issues.

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Syllabus

Week 1: Environmental Justice
Welcome to Week 1! We start this week with an orientation to the course and our learning community. Then, we start our course by defining and discussing environmental justice, and exploring environmental justice issues in the U.S and around the world. Let’s find out more about environmental justice in the Week 1 module.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores environmental justice and its impacts on global public health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Builds a strong foundation in environmental justice and risk assessment, which are crucial for addressing environmental health concerns
Instructed by Richard Neitzel, an expert in global public health, ensuring high-quality instruction and insights
This course is part of the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health specialization, allowing learners to expand their knowledge in this field
Emphasizes equity and justice in environmental health, aligning with the growing demand for ethical considerations in public health
Appropriate for learners with a background in public health, environmental science, or related fields, seeking to deepen their understanding of environmental justice

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Reviews summary

Environmental justice and health risks overview

According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and eye-opening exploration of environmental justice, health equity, and human health risks. Students found the content to be incredibly well-structured and the topics digestible, making complex issues accessible. The course provides a useful framework for risk assessment and management, offering practical methodologies. While it is praised as a solid introduction and great foundational course, some experienced learners felt it could delve deeper into advanced applications, suggesting it might be less challenging for professionals with extensive prior knowledge. Overall, it's considered a valuable course for understanding the real-world implications of environmental factors on public health.
Offers a practical and clear framework for risk analysis.
"The risk assessment framework presented in Week 3 was particularly useful, offering a clear methodology."
"This course effectively brings together the critical concepts of environmental justice and health risks."
"It connects crucial concepts of environmental justice with practical risk assessment."
Well-structured modules make complex topics accessible.
"The modules are incredibly well-structured, making complex topics digestible."
"The instructors presented the material in an engaging manner."
"The overall presentation was clear."
Addresses critical, timely real-world issues effectively.
"This course was truly eye-opening, connecting crucial concepts of environmental justice with practical risk assessment."
"Fantastic course that clarifies the intricate relationship between human health and environmental factors. ...opened my eyes to the real-world implications of these issues."
"I gained a much better understanding of how policies can promote or hinder health equity. The focus on vulnerable populations was particularly impactful."
Great for beginners; advanced learners seek more depth.
"While it provides a good overview, I felt it could delve deeper into some specific case studies or advanced mitigation strategies..."
"As someone with a master's in public health, I found parts of this course to be a bit basic. ...It's a great foundational course for beginners..."
"I was hoping for more advanced application or perhaps deeper statistical analysis methods. It might not challenge experienced professionals as much."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice with these activities:
Review Environmental Science Concepts
Refreshing your knowledge of environmental science will help provide a stronger foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on Environmental Science
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous environmental science courses
  • Read articles or books on environmental science topics
  • Take a practice quiz or test on environmental science concepts
Review Environmental Science principles
Revisit foundational environmental science concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Environmental Science
Show steps
  • Review notes and textbooks from previous environmental science courses.
  • Attend a refresher workshop or online course on environmental science.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your knowledge.
Review core concepts of environmental health
Boost your knowledge and understanding of environmental health principles by reviewing core concepts
Browse courses on Environmental Science
Show steps
  • Review your textbooks or notes from previous environmental health courses
  • Attend a preparatory workshop or online webinar on environmental health
14 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 17 activities
Join a Study Group on Environmental Justice
Discussing course material with peers can help you better understand the content and identify areas where you need additional support.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Find a study buddy or group
  • Set up regular meeting times
  • Review course material together
  • Discuss your understanding of the concepts
Organize Your Course Materials
Keeping your course materials organized and in one place will help you stay on top of your work and improve your learning experience.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Gather all of your course materials
  • Create a system for organizing your materials
  • Put your system into practice
Review an Environmental Justice Text
Reading influential texts on the topic will strengthen your foundational understanding of environmental justice and related concepts.
View Resisting Global Toxics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Find the book through your library or bookstore
  • Read Chapter 1: Background and Perspectives
  • Read Chapter 2: Historical Roots of Environmental Injustices
  • Complete Chapter 3: The Political Economy of Environmental Injustice
Volunteer with an Environmental Justice Organization
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience and allow you to contribute to the fight for environmental justice.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Find a local environmental justice organization
  • Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation
  • Participate in volunteer activities, such as community cleanups or educational outreach
Explore online resources on environmental justice
Supplement your learning by exploring online resources to gain a deeper understanding of environmental justice issues.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Identify reputable websites and organizations focused on environmental justice.
  • Read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts on environmental justice topics.
  • Engage in online discussions or forums related to environmental justice.
Explore Interactive Visualizations and Simulations of Environmental Health Data
Reinforces understanding of data visualization techniques and their relevance to environmental health analysis.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Find online repositories or resources offering interactive visualizations and simulations related to environmental health data.
  • Explore various visualization types, such as maps, charts, and graphs, and understand their strengths and limitations.
  • Interpret the data presented in the visualizations, identifying patterns, trends, and potential health concerns.
Solve Environmental Justice Practice Problems
Bolsters understanding of environmental justice issues and techniques for assessing and addressing them.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Review course notes and materials on environmental justice concepts and principles.
  • Use provided practice problems or search for additional exercises online.
  • Apply knowledge to solve problems, identifying potential environmental injustices and evaluating mitigation measures.
  • Compare solutions with classmates or online forums for feedback and alternative perspectives.
Join a study group for environmental injustice and risk management
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, exchange ideas, and improve your understanding of environmental justice and risk management
Show steps
  • Reach out to classmates or fellow students and form a study group
  • Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings, work through problems, and prepare for assessments
Learn About Risk Assessment Methods
Knowing how to perform risk assessments is essential for successfully identifying and mitigating environmental hazards.
Browse courses on Risk Assessment
Show steps
  • Enroll in the free course: Risk Assessment for Environmental Professionals
  • Complete Module 1: Introduction to Risk Assessment
  • Practice the methods learned in Module 1
Solve Environmental Justice Case Studies
Applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios will help you develop your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Read the case study: The Flint Water Crisis
  • Identify the environmental justice issues present in the case
  • Propose solutions to address the environmental injustices identified
Develop a Risk Management Plan for an Environmental Issue
Enhances comprehension of risk management principles and their application to environmental issues.
Browse courses on Risk Management
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world environmental issue or scenario.
  • Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, considering potential hazards, exposure pathways, and vulnerable populations.
  • Develop a risk management plan that outlines strategies to mitigate risks, monitor progress, and evaluate effectiveness.
  • Write a report or presentation summarizing the plan and its potential impacts.
Develop an infographic or poster on environmental injustice or risk assessment
Create a visual aid to reinforce your understanding and communicate key concepts related to environmental injustice or risk assessment
Show steps
  • Research and gather data on environmental injustice or risk assessment
  • Design a visually appealing infographic or poster using tools like Canva or Adobe Spark
  • Share your infographic or poster with others to educate and raise awareness
Create an Environmental Justice Advocacy Campaign
This project will allow you to use your knowledge of environmental justice to make a positive impact on your community.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Identify an environmental justice issue in your community
  • Research the issue and develop a plan for addressing it
  • Create a campaign to raise awareness and advocate for change
Volunteer at an environmental non-profit organization
Gain practical experience and contribute to environmental causes while applying concepts learned in the course
Show steps
  • Research environmental non-profit organizations in your area
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Participate in volunteer activities such as clean-ups, educational events, or advocacy campaigns

Career center

Learners who complete Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Engineer
Working as an Environmental Engineer can be very rewarding to those who are passionate about protecting human health and the environment. An Environmental Engineer typically has a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of environmental engineering, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern environmental protection, which can be helpful in your work as an Environmental Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Environmental Scientist
As an Environmental Scientist, you will be responsible for conducting research and monitoring the environment to assess the impact of human activities on the environment. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of environmental science, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern environmental protection, which can be helpful in your work as an Environmental Scientist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Epidemiologist
As an Epidemiologist, you will be responsible for studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and for applying this knowledge to the control of diseases and other health problems. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of epidemiology, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern public health, which can be helpful in your work as an Epidemiologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Health Educator
As a Health Educator, you will be responsible for promoting health and preventing disease by educating people about healthy behaviors and lifestyles. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of health education, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern public health, which can be helpful in your work as a Health Educator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Industrial Hygienist
As an Industrial Hygienist, you will be responsible for assessing and controlling workplace hazards to protect the health of workers. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of industrial hygiene, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern workplace safety, which can be helpful in your work as an Industrial Hygienist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Hygienist
Medical Doctor
As a Medical Doctor, you will be responsible for providing medical care to patients, including diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of medicine, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern the practice of medicine, which can be helpful in your work as a Medical Doctor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor
Nurse
As a Nurse, you will be responsible for providing care to patients, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with medical procedures. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of nursing, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern the practice of nursing, which can be helpful in your work as a Nurse.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
As an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing programs to protect the health and safety of workers. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of occupational health and safety, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern workplace safety, which can be helpful in your work as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Public Health Administrator
As a Public Health Administrator, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating public health programs. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of public health, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern public health, which can be helpful in your work as a Public Health Administrator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Administrator
Risk Assessor
As a Risk Assessor, you will be responsible for assessing the risks of environmental hazards to human health. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of risk assessment, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern environmental protection, which can be helpful in your work as a Risk Assessor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Assessor
Sanitarian
As a Sanitarian, you will be responsible for inspecting food and water sources to ensure that they are safe for human consumption. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of environmental health, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern public health, which can be helpful in your work as a Sanitarian.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sanitarian
Toxicologist
As a Toxicologist, you will be responsible for studying the effects of toxic substances on human health. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of toxicology, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern the use of toxic substances, which can be helpful in your work as a Toxicologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist
Urban Planner
As an Urban Planner, you will be responsible for planning and designing cities and towns. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of urban planning, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern land use, which can be helpful in your work as an Urban Planner.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Water Resources Engineer
As a Water Resources Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and managing water resources systems. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of water resources engineering, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern water use, which can be helpful in your work as a Water Resources Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing public policies and making recommendations for changes. This course may be useful as it will help you build a foundation in some of the core principles of policy analysis, such as environmental justice, risk assessment, and risk management. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about the different laws and regulations that govern public policy, which can be helpful in your work as a Policy Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice.
Cover image
Toxic Communities
Save
Examines the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution on minority and low-income communities. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the social and economic factors that contribute to environmental injustices.
Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial...
Paperback
$$
Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Interpreting the Precautionary Principle
Save
Examines the precautionary principle, which framework for making decisions in the face of scientific uncertainty. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the ethical and legal implications of environmental decision-making.
Interpreting the Precautionary Principle
Paperback
Check
Interpreting the Precautionary Principle
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Dumping In Dixie
Save
Provides an overview of the history and current state of environmental justice in the United States. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the social and economic factors that contribute to environmental injustices.
Dumping In Dixie: Race, Class, And Environmental...
Paperback
$$
Dumping In Dixie: Race, Class, And Environmental...
Kindle Edition
$$
Environmental Science?
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental science, from a global perspective. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the complex interactions between environmental factors and human health.
ISE Principles of Environmental Science
Paperback
$$
ISE Environmental Science: A Global Concern (ISE...
Paperback
$$$
Connect Access Code Card for Environmental Science:...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Loose Leaf for Principles of Environmental Science
Loose Leaf
$$$
Environmental Science: A Global Concern ISE
Paperback
$$$
Loose Leaf for Environmental Science: A Global...
Loose Leaf
$$$
Environmental Science: A Global Concern
Paperback
$$$
Principles of Environmental Science, Inquiry &...
Hardcover
$$$
Principles of Environmental Science
Paperback
$$
Environmental Science
Hardcover
$$
Environmental Science: A Global Concern
Kindle Edition
$$$
Principles of Environmental Science
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Occupational and Environmental Health
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of occupational and environmental health hazards and their prevention. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the complex interactions between environmental factors and human health.
Occupational and Environmental Health
Paperback
$$$
Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Second Language Acquisition and Lifelong Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practice of environmental health. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the complex interactions between environmental factors and human health.
Second Language Acquisition and Lifelong Learning...
Paperback
$$
Second Language Acquisition and Lifelong Learning...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Richard Neitzel
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Environmental Health: the Foundation of Global Public Health
  2. Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health
  3. Environmental Hazards and Global Public Health
  4. Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores environmental justice and its impacts on global public health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Builds a strong foundation in environmental justice and risk assessment, which are crucial for addressing environmental health concerns
Instructed by Richard Neitzel, an expert in global public health, ensuring high-quality instruction and insights
This course is part of the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health specialization, allowing learners to expand their knowledge in this field
Emphasizes equity and justice in environmental health, aligning with the growing demand for ethical considerations in public health
Appropriate for learners with a background in public health, environmental science, or related fields, seeking to deepen their understanding of environmental justice
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