The specialist Graciela Tonello highlights the healing power of nature.
June 5 was established by the United Nations (UN) as World Environment Day. The meaning of this date is to recognize the right of all people to live in a cared for environment that provides health and well-being. In line with this proposal, the Environmental Commission of the Faculty of Psychology (UNT) organizes the workshop “Pro-environmental Behavioral Interventions”, on Thursday at 11 at its headquarters in the Prebisch Center (9 de Julio park).
Topics such as environmental risk, sustainable behaviors and the ecological footprint will be addressed, in an activity that will be led by Dr. Graciela Tonello (specialist in Environmental Psychology, UNT-Conicet), from Francisco de Rosa (from Meta Tucumán) and from Aramis Padilla (president of the Faculty Student Center).
Teachers, non-teachers, students and representatives of environmental organizations will discuss how to change behavioral habits to generate a clean and pleasant environment. The day will end with collecting paper for recycling and planting seedbeds, with the aim of promoting commitment to caring for one’s own space.
To consider
“Air and water pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, dirt, population density, overcrowding, lack of access to and enjoyment of nature, safety problems, are all environmental stressors that seriously compromise public health. There is ample scientific evidence about the healing potential of nature; Its experience produces physiological and psychological benefits, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as promote social interactions and positive emotions,” explains Tonello.
“We have to re-learn, to behave sustainably and survive a world that is no longer what it was,” he adds. Learn to take care of natural resources and care for others. Because sustainability goes beyond the preservation of the physical environment, it also encompasses a social dimension that requires the adoption of lifestyles that promote altruism, equity and moderate consumption.”
Tonello maintains that the increase in the planet’s temperature is causing extreme climate events, with devastating economic and social consequences. “It is important to consider the context, because if poverty and dirt are added to climate change, its impact will be greater on comprehensive health,” he points out.
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“With respect to physical health, specialists verified that every year the dengue epidemic is worse. In addition to the increase in temperature and prolonged rains that increase mosquito breeding sites, it was observed that the greatest number of cases occurred in vulnerable neighborhoods, in areas with accumulation of garbage, without drinking water, or with losses of sewage liquids – adds the specialist. With respect to mental health, in some people the climate crisis or environmental deterioration in general causes uncertainty and can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, what we know as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety.”
“The mitigation and adaptation strategies that are required of us will not be possible only with individual behavior and will, a State model is needed that considers care of the environment as a variable that cuts across its entire governance structure, and implements the corresponding regulations and controls. ”, he warned.
Tonello maintains: “in our community we are taking action on several fronts. I highlight the creation of the UNT Environmental Observatory; Also on May 23, the First Responsible Tucumán Forum was held, organized by Meta Tucumán, in which academics and decision makers such as entrepreneurs, politicians, businessmen and environmental activists met to debate issues such as garbage and outline strategies to its disposal safely. All of this is at the heart of what we call sustainability; ensure not only the care of the physical environment but also generate health and subjective well-being.”
