Why do we use “planetary” in the name of our movement?
Dr. Carlos A. Faerron Guzmán recently answered:
1. Contextualizing Human Existence: Humans must be viewed within the vast timeline of Earth’s natural history. Despite our short presence, the Anthropocene era, defined by significant human impact, highlights the drastic changes we’ve brought to the planet. This perspective is vital for understanding the magnitude of our influence and the need for a comprehensive approach to our role and responsibilities on Earth.
2. Planetary-scale Changes: The changes we’ve induced in Earth’s natural systems are global, affecting every corner of the planet. These changes, though varying locally, are symptoms of a larger, planet-wide syndrome caused by human activity. Recognizing these changes as interconnected and global in nature is crucial for addressing the underlying causes and working towards sustainable solutions.
3. Planetary-level Impacts: The environmental changes resulting from human activity have far-reaching impacts on human and non-human well-being, affecting multiple dimensions of life on Earth. These planetary-scale impacts necessitate a shift to a Planetary Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of taking collective action to mitigate long-term consequences for Earth’s future.
How do you explain “planetary” health?
