WHAT IS PLANETARY HEALTH?
The limited availability of freshwater, rare earth metals, and arable land is an enormous challenge in many parts of the world.
The supply of natural resources such as soil, water, and minerals is diminishing due to climate change and consumption patterns. Their scarcity ripples outward to other systems humans rely on for survival, such as agriculture and aquaculture, aquifers, woodlands, renewable energy sources, and medical technology and supplies.
In particular, demographic changes are driving sharp increases in global water and energy demand at a time when climate change and unsustainable water use promises to increase water scarcity in a variety of ways, and the emissions and runoff from mining activities negatively impact water, air, and soil quality. Ironically, the demand for renewable energy also increases the need for rare earth metals which are extracted at the expense of nature. Competition for scarce resources has also been linked to displacement of populations and conflict.
Generations of resource extraction and overuse of ecosystem services have scarred the natural environment: the planet cannot support current levels of human consumption, and the benefits we derive from ecosystem services and natural resource consumption can no longer justify the destruction of the environment. Research to better characterize these challenges and identify systems-level solutions to competing needs for ecosystem services is urgently needed.
Climate Change Resource Scarcity
Amid climate crisis and rising anti-science sentiment, this piece calls for urgent global investment in scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and collective action to ensure a stable, healthy planet for future generations.
• News
Displacement and Conflict Climate Change
This study explores the emotional toll, systemic barriers, and support needs of healthcare and administrative staff in Switzerland caring for asylum seekers amid overlapping crises, including war, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Research & Reports
Resource Scarcity Food Systems
Researchers discovered that adopting healthy, sustainable diets improves nutrition and reduces water use long-term but initially increases water stress and food costs in emerging economies.
• Research & Reports
Displacement and Conflict Land Use and Land Cover Change
• Research & Reports
Chemical Pollution Land Use and Land Cover Change
Curated collection by PLOS Earth & Environment.
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