[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/JohnLast_opt.jpg” caption=”John Last”]Unprecedented change in the 20th century has cost human health a great deal, according to epidemiologist John Last, who will present a lecture this week.

Hosted by the McMaster Institute of Environment and Health and the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association, the lecture, entitled, “Human Health in a Changing World,” will take place Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., with a reception at 6 p.m. It will be held at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, 555 Bay St. North, Hamilton.

Last is emeritus professor of epidemiology at the University of Ottawa. He is Australian born and educated and is the author or editor of 15 books, many peer-reviewed articles, official reports and other publications on a range of topics in epidemiology and public health, including recent review articles on the health impacts of global ecosystem changes and on environmental or ecological ethics. He has been an expert advisor for the Government of Canada, the US National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization on many occasions over the past 35 to 40 years.

All are welcome to attend this free event.

Lecture abstract:

“The 20th century was a time of unprecedented change for humans, and for our home, planet earth. The population increased fourfold, became increasingly mobile, increasingly urbanized and despite massive slaughter in wars, convincingly healthier. Industrialization made many populations wealthier. Cars and airplanes made rapid movement over great distances easy. Mass media created a global village in which anyone could communicate instantly with anyone else anywhere on earth.

“All these changes have cost a great deal. Very little is returned to the global commons except massive pollution of the air, sea, and land with the toxic metabolic and waste products of our industry and methods of transport. This process has begun to have adverse consequences, including raising the world's average temperature and changing the world's climate system – global warming.

“The consequences for human health include effects of heatwaves and urban smog, environments and ecosystems more hospitable to insect disease vectors and loss of habitat as sea levels rise. Historically, humans have reacted well to crises and threats, and the future outlook is good if we can adapt and react expeditiously and sensibly to the challenges we face at the beginning of this new century.”