Grounded in science, we promote a healthy future
A prosperous and healthy human existence depends on the integrity of the ecosystems that contain and sustain us.
Resilient health care, for current and future generations, must take into account planetary boundaries and resources.
We address the existential challenges of climate change and ecosystem breakdown from a planetary health perspective.
Our health needs protection of the planet!
We depend on the ecosystems we are part of and which sustain our existence. They are essential to our physical, emotional and social health.
The ecological and climate crisis and threats have been documented with overwhelming scientific evidence. We are overstepping safe limits for human existence. Indeed, currently, ecosystem breakdown and climate disruption have become the single biggest threat to human health of the 21st century.
Direct threats include food shortages, air pollution, increased spread of infectious diseases, heat and extreme weather events. The COVID-19 pandemic is a striking example of this interdependence with nature. Indirect impacts are equally important: violent conflicts, poverty, increased inequality in the social determinants of health, climate migration, mental health problems. The impacts are usually strongest on the vulnerable.
Actions that preserve planetary health have multiple benefits for our own health and well-being. A lighter footprint and a better life go hand in hand!
For more information and examples, see our scientific references and the Health for Future (Germany) Website!
How to get involved?
- Build local groups and regional, national and international networks to join forces and resources for the necessary transitions
- Raise awareness of the benefits of climate mitigation and sustainable transition within the Belgian health sector: advocate for urgent and concrete actions towards a carbon neutral and efficient health system (policy makers, health service institutions like hospitals...)
- Integrate concrete actions for planetary health into daily medical practice and patient education
- Promote planetary health education (under-graduate and post-graduate) in Belgium
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