Pursuit of Economic Wealth Effecting Health in Mekong Sub-Region

CHIANG RAI – In the Lower Mekong Sub-Region, changing patterns and intensity of work, lifestyle, and even relaxation, are posing new health risks and challenges.
Is the economic development model by design sacrificing the health – in terms of body and mind – of the majority in the interest of so-called economic growth? We posit that structural changes in the Mekong region – often due to government economic development policies whether it’s in agricultural production or urban work patterns – are leading to conditions causing ill health.
Our landscapes, especially our public spaces – our commons – are undergoing huge changes that inherently affect the health of our body and mind. We don’t need here to go into a litany of the terrible ecosystem damages caused in the rush to expand infrastructure or industrialization. The ecological impacts in three areas illustrate the seriousness of these health impacts: our rivers and wetlands, the air we breathe, and the food we eat. More details