In this first installment of our four-part series1<\/a><\/sup> on planetary health, we explore the fundamentals of this vital concept and make planetary health more tangible to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s start from the beginning\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite only rising to popularity rather recently, the concept of planetary health has a 50-year history to look upon, as the term was coined in the environmental and holistic health movements of the 70s and 80s. However, until recently the idea was rarely present in the context of mainstream media. The Rockefeller-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health\u2019s report in 2015 marked a turning point since it brought the topic into the spotlight of conventional scientific debate. Following this report, the Planetary Health Alliance was founded in 2016. Globally it is the leading organization in educating on Planetary Health and supporting the growth of this interdisciplinary, solution-focused, and innovative field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why is Planetary Health needed in the fight against the climate crisis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPlanetary Health is a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth\u2019s natural systems on human health and all life on Earth.\u201d – Planetary Health Alliance<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We are now in an epoch that many scientists call the Anthropocene – a geochronological epoch shaped by humans as the central driving force within the planetary system. The concept of planetary boundaries introduced by Johan Rockstr\u00f6m and other scientists in 2009 reflects these impacts. These boundaries are basically \u201cnine processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth system\u201d and due to human activities six of the nine boundaries have been crossed (Fig. 1). Moreover, eight of the nine boundaries, except for ozone, are moving into a concerning direction, i.e. further away from what’s considered a safe space. Leaving the safe space increases the risk of big and potentially permanent changes to our environment. <\/p>\n\n\n This is where Planetary Health comes in. As the environmental changes do not represent an isolated and singular issue, they also adversely affect human health. Changes like an increase in natural disasters, pollution, biodiversity shifts, or disruptions of food systems can negatively impact mental health and increase the risk of both non-communicable diseases (air pollution & lung cancer risk) and infectious diseases (vector-borne diseases). Additionally, these global changes can lead to civil strife and displacement\u200b. Thus, embracing the perspective of Planetary Health and striving to mitigate human impacts on Earth’s systems is essential for addressing the climate crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides preventing or mitigating the adverse effects of global change on health, there are many co-benefits of climate action for human health. For example, living a more climate-friendly life by reducing meat consumption, rather than walking and biking places instead of going by car, we also experience somewhat unintentional \u201cside\u201d-effects. Eating a healthier diet, living a more active life, and reducing air pollution leads to a lower risk of morbidity and mortality. Figure 2 shows these relationships in more detail. <\/p>\n\n\n To end this brief introduction to Planetary Health we want to leave you with some of the most relevant and optimism-inspiring steps taken in the last years regarding Planetary Health. At the most recent COP 28, for the first time in the history of global climate negotiations, health was officially part of the agenda. Moreover, the S\u00e3o Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health, a call to action outlining the crucial steps for achieving the Great Transition, has been signed by over 300 organizations from more than 48 countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, more and more people are getting involved with planetary health, spreading awareness, and encouraging others to get engaged. This trend is underscored by the increasing number of organizations dedicated to planetary health and a rising tide of membership, reflecting broader engagement and awareness efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come back to check in on the second part of our blog series, talking about climate anxiety and how it affects our physical and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This blog entry was written within the Planetary Health Campus Ambassador Programme 2024 of the Planetary Health Alliance. Views expressed may not represent the positions of the Planetary Health Alliance or its membership.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n Imagine waking up one morning to a world where we experience pleasant temperatures, fresh air, clean rivers, and blooming forests. Such a scene doesn\u2019t have to be a utopia, it can be a reality if we take the health of our planet seriously. However, we\u2019re not there yet. Compared to this vision of our future, […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/globalchangeecology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Picture1.png\")
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