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Planetary Health, a concept introduced by the Lancet Commission in 2015, focuses on “the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends.” This field underscores the interconnectedness of today’s pressing issues, such as poverty, inequality, and hunger, all of which impact health outcomes and are influenced by climate change and environmental degradation.

Health is invaluable, and optimising it for all requires collective action, especially against the backdrop of climate change. The transdisciplinary nature of Planetary Health involves experts from various fields working together towards shared goals. Complex problems demand collaborative solutions.

Climate Change and Health Impacts

Climate change is already impacting our health in several ways. Extreme weather events, like heatwaves and hurricanes, increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, injuries, and even death, especially among vulnerable populations. Biodiversity loss affects the balance of ecosystems, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as Zika and Ebola, as humans and animals interact more closely. Changes in air quality due to rising temperatures and pollution are making respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies more common and severe. Additionally, food security is becoming a growing concern as climate change disrupts agriculture, leading to lower crop yields and increasing the risk of malnutrition and hunger. These health impacts are expected to worsen if we don’t take action to mitigate climate change.

The Planetary Health Lens in Healthcare

Adopting a planetary health lens allows healthcare providers to consider human health in the context of environmental preservation. Healthcare contributes significantly to emissions; the NHS alone accounts for 4% of the UK’s total emissions. Healthcare systems must recognise how their operations exacerbate the health conditions they aim to treat. Understanding the broader impacts of emissions is the first step in implementing strategies to reduce them.

Policy and Preventative Healthcare

Integrating a planetary health perspective into healthcare policy can drive change. Policies prioritising sustainability in healthcare delivery can set emission reduction targets, encourage renewable energy use, and mandate sustainable practices in procurement and waste management. This approach also encourages research into sustainable practices, ensuring the healthcare sector evolves to minimise environmental impact.

Preventative healthcare is another crucial aspect of planetary health. Addressing environmental determinants of health can reduce disease burdens. Promoting healthy lifestyles and environments, reducing pollution, and ensuring access to clean air and water not only improve health outcomes but also decrease the demand for healthcare services, reducing overall emissions.

Supporting the NHS through Planetary Health

Protecting the environment equates to protecting health. Safeguarding biodiversity, crucial for potential medical discoveries, involves community-led solutions, outdoor activities, and measures reducing disease incidence. Planetary health helps alleviate disease burdens by addressing broader factors impacting healthcare systems.

Systems Thinking and Climate Equity

Embracing planetary health in healthcare means acknowledging the link between human well-being and ecosystem health. This holistic approach addresses the root causes of health challenges rather than only treating symptoms. Promoting sustainable practices, reducing pollution, and safeguarding biodiversity enhance public health.

Planetary health also considers social determinants of health, acknowledging that marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by environmental and health challenges. Prioritising planetary health aims to reduce these disparities, improving the quality of life for all.

Integration with Carbon Literacy training

Incorporating a planetary health lens in healthcare training involves:

• Educating about climate change’s health impacts and the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
• Providing practical examples of sustainable healthcare practices.
• Highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration to address planetary health challenges.
• Encouraging advocacy for policies promoting health and environmental sustainability.

For healthcare professionals, Carbon Literacy training is vital. Amid the demands of patient care, it’s easy to overlook their unique role in addressing climate change. However, by equipping healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to reduce emissions, their impact can extend beyond their immediate roles. Using a planetary health perspective, healthcare professionals can lead the way to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Sign up for upcoming Carbon Literacy training for Healthcare

• 19th September 2024 – delivered online by Lighthouse Sustainability using our E-learning pathway.
• 6th & 8th November 2024 – delivered online by Lighthouse Sustainability over two morning sessions.
• 13th November 2024 – delivered online by Lighthouse Sustainability as part of the Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) using our E-learning pathway.

Find more upcoming open Carbon Literacy courses via our Events page.