At the core of nursing is the understanding that when we create the right environment, nature not only can heal itself, but it is an essential partner in human health. Human health and the health of the planet are inseparable.
What is Planetary Health?
Planetary health is an ancient way of knowing embraced by Indigenous Peoples around the world. It is also an emerging field of transdisciplinary science and global activism.
The School of Nursing's recognized work in the area of climate mitigation and adaptation, positions us as a thought leader in the field and provides opportunities for new areas of research, teaching, and service.
In all areas and all activities, the School of Nursing will work to ensure that nursing is visible and recognized for our profession’s historical contributions and alignment with planetary health. Nursing’s systems thinking is essential if we are to create the necessary healing opportunities for individuals and the planet.
Why is planetary health important to you and how do you apply principles of planetary health in your own nursing practice or research?
Vision
Health is embracing the Interconnection within Nature and living in ways that permit all life to flourish now and for future generations.
Mission
The Center for Planetary Health and Environmental Justice at the School of Nursing will foster education of future Planetary Health leaders; Planetary Health practice; innovative research and scholarship that includes both mitigation and adaptation; sustainable and equitable health care practices; and provide the thought leadership and transdisciplinary partnerships to restore Planetary Health.
Core values
- Interconnection within Nature
- Humility and commitment to restoring the Earth’s natural systems damaged by human behaviors
- Transdisciplinarity
- Systems thinking and complexity
- Diversity, equity, inclusivity, and justice
- Decisions based on the well-being of future generations
- Partnership social model rather than hierarchies of domination
- Solidarity
- Solution and action oriented
Objectives
- Nursing for Planetary Health: We will promote and foster a shared commitment to Nursing for Planetary Health. This means working to ensure that Planetary Health is threaded through our research and scholarship; curriculum and teaching; our advocacy and policies; and our practice and leadership.
- Commitment to each other: In partnership with the School of Nursing Planetary Health Committee, we will foster a culture where all students. staff, and faculty are invited to be part of a Planetary Health Community of Practice.
- Professional Development: We will decolonize our minds and Indigenize our thinking, teaching, and research to support a strong foundation for Planetary Health.
- Research and Scholarship: Our researchers will invest in the science of transdisciplinary solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and all other environmental determinants of health.
- Engaging with communities: We will prioritize supporting the health and well-being of the people and communities most severely impacted by human-caused disruptions of the Earth's natural systems.