ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 is the first of Part II of the book, which covers four key Domains of Wellbeing. Each Domain of Wellbeing addresses a risk factor and progresses to examine the ways urban planning is related. We start by taking a fresh perspective on the typical risks explored in this space and position an unhealthy planet as a critical risk factor for human health. Quite simply, without a healthy planet, the pursuit of a healthy built environment is futile. The chapter explores the emergent concept of Planetary Health—a way of thinking about the planet/people health nexus that emphasises human action as integral to both environmental problems and solutions. It then shifts focus to the increasingly urgent issue of climate change to demonstrate the links between the health of the planet and the health of the population. The health risks posed by climate change–induced temperature increases, coastal erosion, drought and other natural hazards are particularly pertinent to Australia, and these are discussed in detail.
