Planetary Health Campus Ambassador Program

Planetary Health Campus Ambassadors (PHCAs) are Next Generation leaders in Planetary Health. They are empowered to take on leadership roles on their academic campus and beyond, educating their communities and facilitating collaborations across disciplines and initiatives to address the interconnected challenges of human health and environmental change. Ambassadors work at the intersection of environmental medicine, health promotion, and sustainability, creating innovative solutions for global health challenges. PHCAs also become part of the PHA’s broader Next Generation Network, comprised of individuals from a variety of academic and cultural backgrounds, career stages, and interests. They have access to leadership opportunities within other PHA initiatives, such as the global Planetary Health Annual Meeting, Planetary Health Regional Hubs, Clinicians for Planetary Health, and various education projects.

What are the benefits of being a Planetary Health Campus Ambassador?

Ambassadors will have the opportunity to be recognized as “champions” of Planetary Health in their communities, while also developing and building their leadership and organizational skills. Campus Ambassadors are empowered to foster cross-cutting collaborations on their campus between existing and emerging initiatives related to Planetary Health, such as linking human health and environmentally oriented networks and initiatives. They also become part of a broader Planetary Health network. Ambassadors are paired with a mentor to assist in their professional development in this transdisciplinary and emerging field. PHCAs hold a key role in the Planetary Health Alliance’s Next Generation Network, including opportunities to participate at global Planetary Health Annual Meetings.

Applications for the 2025 calendar year cohort are currently closed. Check back in November to apply for the following year.

Eligibility to apply:

• Current undergraduate or graduate student interested in Planetary Health 
• Must be an enrolled student for the full duration of your term (January to December)  
• Students from all disciplines and geographies are encouraged to apply  
• All prospective ambassadors are required to submit an individual application 

Requirements for applicants:

• Commit to a year-long term from January to December  
• Organize 1-4 activities, events or projects per semester, depending on the scale and complexity of the event  
• Check-in with your fellow campus ambassadors frequently (monthly, if possible)  
• Attend 10-12 PHA organized workshops/events over the course of the calendar year—must attend 6 to meet attendance requirements 

What are some of the activities students can organize?

While there are a wide range of events scholars can organize, some successful examples and ideas are listed below.

• Host movie screenings and discussions (in-person or virtual watch parties)
• Curate digital or physical art exhibitions and performances focused on Planetary Health themes  
• Partner with local Indigenous communities and leaders to explore traditional practices and their roles in health
• Organize expert panel discussions through accessible platforms or venues
• Start an inclusive and transdisciplinary Planetary Health student club, journal discussion group, or email list  
• Host a series of interactive workshops 
• Connect and create links between existing public health, healthcare, environmental, and sustainability groups or initiatives through collaborative projects focused on Planetary Health
• Organize an ecological restoration project or native tree planting event 
• Highlight local economic and private sector initiatives that demonstrate successful triple-bottom-line practices and accountability
• Hold a mutual aid drive to provide food, resources, and support to those displaced by disasters or otherwise affected by climate-related events
• Design multilingual awareness campaigns and create informational materials
• Engage in community-based research projects and citizen science initiatives
• Map how local policies and governance structures impact community well-being, then create proposals for systemic change
• Build a Planetary Health microsite for your school or emerging club  
• Advocate for the integration of Planetary Health into targeted curricula, competencies, learning objectives, course materials, or centers  
• Work with PHA to encourage your university to join the Alliance

… and more. Be creative!

PHA’s Community Building & Engagement Coordinator and Planetary Health Impact Fellows are available to brainstorm with Planetary Health Campus Ambassadors regarding their on-campus projects and events.