Our Planet, Our Health: A Shared Commitment to a Sustainable, Resilient, and Healthy Future

February 28, 2025

Climate change is considered one of the greatest threats to public health in the 21st century. The last few years have seen worsening heat waves, wildfires, floods, drought, and the spread of vector-borne diseases as the world heats up from the burning of coal, gas, and oil. Pollution, biodiversity loss, and other forms of environmental deterioration further threaten human health. Doctors, nurses, therapists, health aides, and public health professionals across the United States see these impacts play out in their daily practice with their patients and communities through worsening health outcomes, increasing displacement from disasters, and worsening mental health.

As leaders of major organizations dedicated to improving the health of all Americans, we will continue our work to educate the public on the health harms of climate change and the health benefits of planetary health solutions, such as a transition to clean and renewable sources of energy, more public transit and active transportation, and increased cost-savings from energy efficiency. In the face of climate threats, we are also working for more equitable and resilient communities and healthcare systems. Our Planet, Our Health: 2025 Climate Action Convention brings the collective efforts of our organizations together to ensure that health professionals, public health advocates and their communities have the resources and support to carry the work forward.

Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association

Brian Campbell, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility

Lisa Patel, Executive Director, Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health

Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica/Climate for Health

Marie Studer, Executive Director, Planetary Health Alliance

Harold Wimmer, President and CEO, American Lung Association