One Health, Global Health and Planetary Health

Over the past two decades, the ecological approach to health has emphasized the interconnectedness between human health, biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and socioeconomic conditions. As these systems are deeply interlinked, social and environmental justice must be considered interdependent, since crises in one area have the potential to impact other areas, particularly threatening vulnerable populations due to the feedback loop between poverty, social fragility, and environmental degradation. An interdisciplinary approach is essential for addressing these complex issues and should be prioritized in policy decisions. While the One Health approach advocates for collaboration across disciplines to achieve optimal health for people, animals, and the environment, it needs updating to address new challenges posed by climate change and global threats. The Planetary Health paradigm offers a more comprehensive framework by emphasizing the interdependence of human and ecological health and advocating for multiand transdisciplinary research and action. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in promoting such an approach, especially in advancing sustainability and ecosystem health. We suggest they should advocate for healthy, low-impact behaviors and support rapid decarbonization and the reduction of the environmental footprint of healthcare facilities, according to the principle of “Health in all policies”. Only by fostering an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizing the need to care for Nature can we better understand and address the complexity of the interconnections between environmental, social, and health systems. A holistic approach and a team-focused perspective are crucial for tackling current crises, preventing future pandemics, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring the well-being of all life forms on Earth.