Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 31.4
Phases of Development Ladder Deined as Resource Flows Related to Public Health
Surviving
Maturing
Anticipatory
Compassionate/Worldly
Information
No information about
formalized medicine.
Traditional medicine may
be available but no meter
for misinformation. Disease
spread due to lack of
information about diseases
or nutrition
Some knowledge of
formalized medicine.
Population learns about
health, wellness and disease
through word of mouth and
limited public service
announcements. Public is
aware of major health issues
though not knowledgeable
about cause or treatment
Formalized medical education
system. Reliable information
available to most of population.
Some interest in alternative
methods of healthcare
Medical knowledge drawn from
global sources to establish the best
practices. Information universally
available and consumed by
population. Increased knowledge
encourages preventative medicine
and healthier lifestyles. Information
and currency begin to merge
Currency
No formal investment in
community health. Poverty
is a major contributor to
community health issues
Community scale medical
economy. Capital available
for basic health services and
education but still focused on
short-term solutions rather
than preventative measures.
Highest classes can pay for
high quality medical care
from external sources
Capital available for healthcare
and preventative programs.
Functional local health economy.
General population can afford
healthcare. Health issues less
linked to poverty
Universal free healthcare. Cash lows
sustainable in long term.
International investment in
healthcare programs. Healthy
business and health economy begin
to merge
Energy
Energy produced at home
scale often with fuel
sources that contribute to
air pollution and related
health concerns
Community is linked to energy
grid but service is unreliable
at times. Furthermore, fuel
sources often contribute to air
and water quality problems
Reliable and regulated electrical
grid. Fuel sources are mostly
nonrenewables with integration
of renewable technology in
certain sectors
Wholly renewable energy economy.
Green energy technologies enjoy full
inancial and regulatory support
from populations and government
Material
Use of locally available
material that can be foraged
at no cost regardless of
quality or environmental
impact of materials. Low
quality structures
contribute to accidents,
vector borne disease and
other health concerns
Combinations of cheap and
salvaged building materials
contribute to unhealthful
living conditions. Indoor air
quality is not a consideration,
and this contributes to upper
respiratory disease and cancer
Sustainable and healthy material
options are increasingly available.
Older structures still largely
constructed of harmful materials.
Medical facilities slower to make
transition due to traditional
protocol. Limited air, water, food,
energy, and material balance,
usually at partial life cycle level
Use of by-products with mature
technology approaches. Existing and
new structures completely
rehabilitated or reconstructed of
integrated life cycle. ecoBalanced life
supports air, water, food, energy, and
materials. Medical facilities select
materials that contribute to the
patients' recovery
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