Planetary Health is an emerging field that recognizes the interdependence between human health and the health of Earth’s natural systems. It has evolved over the past few decades as science, policy, and public awareness have converged around the need to address global environmental change as a fundamental health issue.
1. Foundations (1970s–1990s): Early Awareness1972 – Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment: The first major global recognition that human well-being and environmental protection are linked.1987 – Brundtland Report ("Our Common Future") introduced the concept of sustainable development, emphasizing intergenerational responsibility.1992 – Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro): Agenda 21 and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) were established, connecting environment and development.
2. Health-Environment Integration (2000s–2010s): Defining the Field2009 – Planetary Boundaries Framework (Rockström et al., Stockholm Resilience Centre): Defined nine ecological limits essential to maintaining a stable planet for human life.2015 – The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on Planetary Health:Formally defined Planetary Health as “the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends.”Marked the official birth of Planetary Health as a scientific and policy discipline.2016 – Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) Founded: Based at Harvard University, the PHA unified global researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
3. Global Recognition and Action (2017–2020): Building a Movement2017 – Launch of the Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC): An initiative led by medical students to integrate Planetary Health into medical education worldwide.2019 – The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change: Began publishing annual global reports tracking health impacts of climate change and adaptation efforts.2019 – WHO declared climate change the greatest health threat of the 21st century.
4. Integration into Policy and Practice (2020–Present)2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: Reinforced the connections between environmental degradation, zoonotic diseases, and global health resilience.2021 – COP26 (Glasgow): Health was officially included as a major outcome area in climate negotiations.2022–2024 – Planetary Health Education Expansion: Over 100 universities worldwide integrated Planetary Health frameworks into curricula.2023 – WHO launched the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH): Strengthening health system resilience to climate impacts.2024 – Growing focus on “Local Planetary Health” models: Integrating sustainable healthcare, food systems, and community wellness—such as telehomecare initiatives and low-carbon clinics.
5. Looking Ahead (2025 and Beyond)Expansion of Planetary Health in homecare and community health sectors.Integration of digital health, telehomecare, and sustainability metrics into healthcare delivery.
Development of Planetary Health policy indicators for health systems.Growing international cooperation through networks like the Planetary Health Alliance, Health Care Without Harm, and Global Climate and Health Alliance.
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