What is Planetary Health? It is the understanding that human health and human civilization depend on flourishing natural systems and the wise stewardship of those natural systems.
aerial view of UVM campus and lake champlain

Planetary Health at UVM

Human well-being is inextricably linked with the health of the environment. The UVM Planetary Health Initiative explores these connections and inspires action so that both people and planet can thrive.

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The UVM Planetary Health Initiative is based on the foundational principles of whole health (physical, mental, social, spiritual, community, and ecological well-being), environmental stewardship (the idea that we can all help preserve our planet), reciprocity (the idea that human and environmental health are inextricably linked), relationships, and hope.

This initiative harnesses UVM’s existing strength in the health of human societies and the natural environment across the areas of education, research, policy, outreach, and service. It builds on the university’s robust tradition of interdisciplinary research and teaching in ecosystem science, public health, global infectious diseases, behavioral medicine, renewable energy, ecological economics, sustainable agriculture, complex systems, environmental thought, the humanities, and beyond. This bold university-wide effort positions UVM to be a global leader in Planetary Health, particularly in rural communities, in this rapidly expanding field.

The university seeks the full spectrum of partnership in this effort – from local to global and from grassroots to governmental – to advance scientific frontiers; develop and test innovative solutions to identified health and environmental challenges; and share, learn, and collaborate with partners here at home and across the globe leading the pursuit of Planetary Health.

Our goals for advancing UVM’s leadership in Planetary Health address four primary objectives:

  • Increasing research that expands our knowledge of the linkages between human and environmental health in the context of a changing climate.
  • Expanding educational programming that emphasizes the health consequences of global change, and the equitable implementation of technical and other solutions, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Supporting policy by developing viable science- and technology-based and economically sustainable solutions to our current health and environmental challenges.
  • Engaging with communities to implement actions that help people and nature thrive together.

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