Environmental Studies Association of Canada – l'Association canadienne d'études environnementales

“Children’s Health and the Environment: International Workshop on Research, Policy and Practice”
University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
June 28 – 30, 2010

The physical environment plays a vital role in child health and development. Safe and sturdy shelter, engaging play spaces, stimulating learning environments, well-connected neighbourhood pathways, vibrant public spaces, and protected natural environments all contribute to the growth, education, and healthy development of children. However, a rapidly expanding body of research suggests that prevailing forms of planning and development are at least partly to blame for rising rates of childhood obesity, respiratory problems, and mental health issues, as well as diminishing physical activity levels, environmental competence, civic engagement, and social interaction.

But how should we work toward creating healthy, supportive environments for children and youth? What is the current state of the evidence? What are the common barriers and facilitators to effectively translating and disseminating research findings to facilitate changes in policy and practice, or to guide interventions?

These are the kinds of questions we will tackle in a two-day workshop at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. This event aims to provide an effective forum for knowledge exchange and mobilization among
leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners concerned with healthy environments for children and youth. Workshop attendees will collectively endeavour to identify remaining needs, gaps, and opportunities regarding the
current state of knowledge in order to set an agenda for future research and identify pathways to better informing future policies and practices of governments, public agencies, and practitioners.

Confirmed Speakers include:

Robin Kearns (University of Auckland, New Zealand); Louise Chawla (University of Colorado, USA); Marketta Kytta (Aalto University, Finland)