Human health and the health of the planet are inextricably linked. But health problems and environmental problems are often considered separately, meaning key information can be lost.
Some researchers, NGOs, and government initiatives are taking an emerging lens of planetary health to seek to address this gap. They are tracking climate-related health threats and calling for more information sharing and joint solutions.
From tropical diseases being found in areas that didn’t previously have them to the health issues caused by pollution to the rising risk of zoonotic diseases as environmental conditions worsen, there are plenty of ways that environmental conditions cause health problems. By working to make that link clear, health systems and global health projects can have a better chance at responding and future-proofing their work for the years to come.
Want to understand more about planetary health and how it could be useful for development? Watch our Devex video explainer here, and follow our new series, Planet Health, to find out more.
Visit the Planet Health series for more in-depth reporting on the current impact of the climate crisis on human health around the world. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #PlanetHealth.
About the authors
Helen Lock
Helen Lock is a former associate editor at Devex, responsible for commissioning, editing, and producing content on the partnerships editorial team. She has seven years of experience in journalism as a multimedia content producer for an international advocacy organization and as a reporter and section editor for U.K. national newspapers. As a freelance journalist, she covered cities, tech for good, global development, and education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Manchester and a master’s in Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.
