Improving the planet’s health—and yours

Inform your discussions and decisions this week:?increased urbanisation has generated economic, social and cultural benefits for many countries’ populations, but is often associated with unhealthy lifestyle changes.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million lives lost each year. Urbanisation has exacerbated risk factors associated with this condition, including unhealthy eating, physical inactivity and tobacco use. With two-thirds of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, global CVD prevention will require strategies tailored for urban settings—but a lack of data makes this difficult.

Our City Heartbeat Index?assesses city-level efforts to understand, prevent and address CVD in 50 cities worldwide. From social factors to policy, our comprehensive research explores the essential factors influencing cardiovascular health in urban hubs—and addresses barriers to its improvement. Through original insights and expert analysis, our research also aims to facilitate policy development, spark stakeholder discussions, promote collaboration across sectors and spur investment.

Also in this issue: explore strategies to decarbonise road-freight and learn how a design simulation programme could reduce shipping emissions. You can also find out why urgent changes are needed in how we produce, consume and dispose of products and materials.

The City Heartbeat Index measures policies, processes and risk-mitigation efforts. Discover how it raises awareness of cardiovascular health in 50 cities worldwide.

More than 1,800 international businesses have set up research, manufacturing, marketing and client services operations in Ireland, creating one of the world’s leading innovation hubs.

Depict different types of data to convey clear, powerful messages, reveal new insights and aid decision-making. Explore our online course, starting September 23rd.