Written Assignment #1

The dramatic achievements of Public Health in the 20th century have improved our quality of life: an increase in life expectancy, world wide reduction in infant and child mortality, and the elimination or reduction of many communicable diseases.

Climate change, acid rain, depletion of the ozone layer, species extinction--all of these issues point to one thing: environmental health is a global issue that concerns all nations of the world. Now add environmental justice to the list. From South Bronx to Soweto, from Penang to El Paso, communities all over the world are finding commonality in their experiences and goals in seeking environmental justice.

How has Public Health awareness improved the quality of life in the last century? What is environmental justice? Describe how it has influenced public health and our overall quality of life.

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