A Vision for the Future of People and the Planet

The concept of planetary health and wellness has gained increasing attention in recent years. Rooted in the late-20th-century movements for preventive medicine and environmental health, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of human well-being, the environment and the planet. This perspective was highlighted in the January 2019 article “Preventive Medicine for Person, Place and Planet,” published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. It states that true health means vitality not only for individuals, but also for the ecosystems that support life on Earth. Preventive medicine now extends beyond human health to the ecosystems and biodiversity that sustain us.

Planetary health serves as a unifying framework, bringing together experts in medicine, agriculture and environmental science. At its core is Halbert L. Dunn’s concept of “high-level wellness,” which recognizes that personal and societal health cannot be separated. By working together, these disciplines can help us better understand and address global challenges. One promising approach is the partnership between healthcare professionals, regenerative farmers and local communities—especially in developing regions.

Advancing planetary health requires examining how people relate to nature, including the biological, social and political factors that shape this connection. Human behaviors and global systems—such as food production and trade—affect both our health and the planet, often fueling inequality and environmental degradation. Addressing these root causes is essential to creating lasting solutions.

The outdated idea that human and planetary health are separate must be replaced with the understanding that they are deeply intertwined. The well-being of people depends on a thriving environment, making it imperative for healthcare professionals to advocate for the planet. Planetary health is not just a concept—it is a call to action.