Planetary Health: An Essential Framework for Nursing Education and Practice

Traditionally, we would have considered biodiversity loss, increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters, more frequent infectious disease outbreaks, and increased human migration around the world as disparate issues requiring unique solutions. We are now realizing that the health of humans and the health of the planet are interconnected, and that the Earth's natural systems that support life are in critical jeopardy. Planetary health needs to be a core component of nursing education and practice. Several conditions make this the perfect time for transformative change. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the deep connection between the human health and the health of the planet and illuminated the need for global solutions that are both sustainable and equitable. The Future of Nursing 2020 – 2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity report acknowledged the urgent need to address climate change. The new American Association of Colleges of Nursing essentials for nursing education supports transformation of nursing curricula. Finally, the recent publication of a global transdisciplinary framework for planetary health education offers nursing a blueprint for education and practice.