Global Change and Health

The Clock is Ticking: Why the fight against the climate crisis needs Planetary Health.

Imagine waking up one morning to a world where we experience pleasant temperatures, fresh air, clean rivers, and blooming forests. Such a scene doesn’t have to be a utopia, it can be a reality if we take the health of our planet seriously. However, we’re not there yet. Compared to this vision of our future, our current state more closely resembles a dystopian novel – with extreme weather events threatening our environment and human existence.

But what exactly is planetary health and why should it matter to you? 

In this first installment of our four-part series1 on planetary health, we explore the fundamentals of this vital concept and make planetary health more tangible to you.

Let’s start from the beginning… 

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’s 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. 

Why is Planetary Health needed in the fight against the climate crisis?

“Planetary Health is a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth’s natural systems on human health and all life on Earth.” – Planetary Health Alliance

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 Rockström and other scientists in 2009 reflects these impacts. These boundaries are basically “nine processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the Earth system” 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. 

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​. Thus, embracing the perspective of Planetary Health and striving to mitigate human impacts on Earth’s systems is essential for addressing the climate crisis.

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 “side”-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. 

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 São 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. 

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.

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.


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.

  1. Disclaimer: This blog entry is the first one of four on the topic of planetary health. ↩︎
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I started my master program in Environment, Climate Change and Health at the University of Bayreuth last year. During my bachelor's degree, I was already particularly interested in the interrelationships between climate change, environmental alterations and public health. Looking ahead, I aim to find a way towards a healthy future while acting with respect to the environment.

My main academic interest lies in exploring the interconnection between human well-being and environmental health. With a background in health science, I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Environment, Climate Change, and Health, which allows me to deepen my knowledge and understanding in this field. Beyond my studies, I enjoy reading and love spending time outdoors

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