Videos for a healthier planet

Throughout the video series „UBT Green Talks“, host Mirna al Masri, research assistant at the Chair of Planetary & Public Health at the University of Bayreuth, will offer insights into topics like Planetary Health and sustainability as well as the impact of human activities on our environment and healthcare system. Each of the monthly released episodes will feature expert interviews, students’ projects, and practical advice for viewers on how they can work towards a positive change for a greener future.

UBTaktuell: Mirna, how did you get the idea for UBT Green Talks?

The idea for UBT Green Talks was developed during a summer school about Planetary Health that I attended in September 2023 in Würzburg. My project idea focused on increasing awareness and education about the vital connections between the environment, climate change, and human health, not only for students who are interested in these topics but also for a wider audience. Therefore, while assisting with the coordination of the master’s program Environment, Climate Change and Health (ECCH), I proposed the idea to the team at the Centre for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (ZHL) who were very open to it! The main aim of our collaboration was to create engaging content that not only informs about these complex issues but also inspires the university community and the broader public to make a change.

How did you end up hosting the video series?

I have always had a passion for TV presenting; therefore, I combined my interest in Planetary Health and sustainability with the skills that I acquired a couple of years ago during a course on TV presenting and content production. My role as a research assistant at the new Chair of Planetary and Public Health combined with the support from the ZHL team gave me the confidence to take on the role of host for UBT Green Talks.

What is the aim of this video series?

The primary aim of UBT Green Talks is to raise awareness about the complex relationships between the environment, climate change, and health. We seek to educate our viewers about the impact of these factors on global health and inspire them to take action, not only by showing what could be done as individuals but also at a social and political level.

How can students participate?

Students who'd like to feature their project in an episode can contact us via ubt.greentalks@uni-bayreuth.de. We encourage students to share detailed descriptions of their projects, their objectives, and any impact they have made or plan to make. We will review these submissions and select projects that align with the themes of upcoming episodes.

Which topics are planned for the upcoming videos?

We have a variety of topics lined up for future episodes. Among others, these include the impact of climate change on biodiversity loss and healthcare systems, and the importance of the Planetary Diet. We will also uncover sustainable practices on different levels, the role of policy in environmental health, and innovative solutions for renewable energy and waste management.