Planetary Health Management
The intersection of human health and the environment is a critical aspect of planetary health: nurturing one inherently benefits the other. This article explores the growth of the planetary health concept and highlights how individual sustainable choices can influence health on both immediate and long-term scales.
Understanding planetary health
The term “planetary health” was first coined by The Rockefeller Foundation—Lancet Commission in 2015. Their Executive Summary highlighted a concerning paradox: while human well-being has reached unprecedented heights—marked by increased life expectancy and decreased child mortality—the progress has largely stemmed from overusing natural resources.
This emerging interdisciplinary field focuses on the interconnectedness of health, the environment, agriculture, and economic systems, rapidly gaining traction since its establishment.
The UN describes it as follows: “… Planetary Health emphasizes that human health is deeply interconnected with the planet’s health, asserting that our society relies on robust ecological systems and responsible resource management.”
Growth of the planetary health movement
Today, planetary health is garnering attention through numerous new journals, academic programs, courses, organizations, and collaborative efforts across various sectors.
The Planetary Health Alliance serves as a pivotal collective, comprising universities, NGOs, research firms, and governmental bodies from over 64 nations.
From 2019 to 2021, this alliance formulated an educational strategy to comprehend the interplay between environmental, social, and health-related crises. Carlos A. Faerron Guzman, the lead author of the study, noted the framework addresses deficiencies in higher education regarding planetary health, enhancing our grasp of ongoing challenges and potential solutions.
As Guzman articulated, rather than viewing humanity as ruling over nature, planetary health acknowledges our integral role within it, highlighting mutual dependencies.
This perspective is just the beginning of recognizing the intertwined nature of human and planetary health, with themes of equity and social justice also at the forefront.
“Understanding that alterations in the Earth’s natural systems do not affect the global population evenly is crucial,” Guzman emphasizes. Those with greater economic resources generally experience the least environmental and health-related challenges.
Turning the framework into actionable steps
There are various approaches you can adopt to enhance your health while simultaneously supporting the health of our planet.
Adopt a vegetarian diet
Choosing a vegetarian lifestyle offers numerous health advantages, such as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, alongside an increased life expectancy. Furthermore, the environmental impact of animal products—especially from ruminants—is significantly higher compared to most plant-based alternatives.
Engage with nature
Being in natural surroundings is known to provide numerous psychological and physiological benefits. Guided Nature and Forest Therapy Walks are gaining popularity and might involve activities like observing water, befriending trees, and practicing gratitude.
Engaging in conservation efforts, such as participating in beach cleanups, planting trees, or reducing litter, helps protect and rejuvenate natural areas, which can lower air pollution and sequester carbon.
Make mindful purchasing choices
Research indicates that consuming less correlates with improved personal happiness and reduced psychological distress, while buying ‘green’ doesn’t necessarily enhance consumer satisfaction. To promote well-being, consider repairing or reusing your belongings, purchasing second-hand items, or utilizing Olio—an app dedicated to sharing surplus food and household goods.
Fostering awareness
Taking care of our planet includes becoming more attuned to our surroundings. It is essential to evaluate issues and their effects through an equity and social justice lens, ensuring solutions do not disproportionately burden any single group.
Additionally, Guzman urges individuals to observe the environmental transformations occurring in their locales. Investigate the origins of your food and reflect on historical eating patterns, considering how the food supply chain has evolved and the implications of climate change on your community.
