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Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Keywords

planetary health, humans and nature, public health, One Health, interdisciplinary integration

Abstract

Against the backdrop of deeply intertwined global environmental change, biodiversity loss, and health risks, Planetary Health is emerging as a new interdisciplinary field that is gradually becoming the scientific frontier for understanding harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This study systematically reviews the evolution of Planetary Health from the “Planetary Boundaries” theory to a comprehensive disciplinary framework. Through a paradigmatic comparison with concepts such as public health, global health, and One Health, it reveals that the core breakthrough of Planetary Health lies in redefining human health as an endogenous variable embedded within the stability of Earth’s natural systems. Three major challenges to achieving Planetary Health are identified: the imbalance in the safe operating space of food systems relative to Earth’s life-support systems, the systemic disruption of biogeochemical cycles caused by the exponential growth of synthetic substances, and the unintended systemic consequences arising from energy transitions. These challenges generate cross-scale cascading effects through two mechanisms—“positive feedback driving and negative feedback destabilization” as well as “local interventions and global hidden risks”. Using pesticides, antibiotics, and atmospheric carbon dioxide as case studies, this study further elucidates these mechanisms and pathways. Looking ahead, it is essential to build a Planetary Health disciplinary system with Chinese characteristics by: strengthening the core paradigm and knowledge system of the “human-nature coupled system”; developing infrastructure for multi-source data integration and intelligent analysis; establishing a closed-loop translation mechanism from risk early warning to governance intervention. These efforts will enhance China’s capacity for international engagement and academic leadership in the field of Planetary Health, contributing Chinese wisdom to global Planetary Health governance.

First page

1478

Last Page

1488

Language

Chinese

Publisher

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences

References

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