It is known that nature and the health of an individual are connected depending on the individuals’ connection with their environment. The UK Environment Agency has estimated that investing in access to green spaces for everyone would save the National Health Services billions of pounds a year in treatment costs. Human exposure to nature has been widely discussed and reported to positively benefit the mental and physical well-being of the individual, however, the links between planetary health and healthcare are less explored.
With the effects of climate change on our planet, growing populations that are expanding to new geographical areas, and increased international trade, it is important to discuss the links between our environment and healthcare systems. Primary healthcare is the interface between the community and our health systems, therefore it would be beneficial to understand the link between these services and nature. The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the benefits for planetary and patient health alike by addressing nature’s role in healthcare.
Considering these points, this Research Topic should gather manuscripts covering, but not limited to:
• Integrated health care, such as One Health initiatives, to tackle complex public health challenges
• The effects on public and planetary health of systems thinking in different geographical regions
• Links between human healthcare and nature
• Nature-related health promotion by health professionals
• Health professionals and their role in natural systems and planetary health
• Educating health professionals in planetary health and the effects on primary care
• Health practices to benefit patient and planetary health
It is known that nature and the health of an individual are connected depending on the individuals’ connection with their environment. The UK Environment Agency has estimated that investing in access to green spaces for everyone would save the National Health Services billions of pounds a year in treatment costs. Human exposure to nature has been widely discussed and reported to positively benefit the mental and physical well-being of the individual, however, the links between planetary health and healthcare are less explored.
With the effects of climate change on our planet, growing populations that are expanding to new geographical areas, and increased international trade, it is important to discuss the links between our environment and healthcare systems. Primary healthcare is the interface between the community and our health systems, therefore it would be beneficial to understand the link between these services and nature. The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the benefits for planetary and patient health alike by addressing nature’s role in healthcare.
Considering these points, this Research Topic should gather manuscripts covering, but not limited to:
• Integrated health care, such as One Health initiatives, to tackle complex public health challenges
• The effects on public and planetary health of systems thinking in different geographical regions
• Links between human healthcare and nature
• Nature-related health promotion by health professionals
• Health professionals and their role in natural systems and planetary health
• Educating health professionals in planetary health and the effects on primary care
• Health practices to benefit patient and planetary health