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Planetary Health Ethics: Beyond First Principles

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Foster

    (School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford University, Oxford OX2 6PE, UK)

  • Jennifer Cole

    (Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK)

  • Andrew Farlow

    (Oxford Martin School, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3BD, UK)

  • Ivica Petrikova

    (Department of Politics and International Relations, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK)

Abstract

Planetary health is a transdisciplinary approach that aims to advance the understanding of the links between human-driven changes to the planet and their consequences, and to develop appropriate solutions to the challenges identified. This emerging movement has not yet agreed upon a code of ethics to underpin the rapidly expanding body of research being carried out in its name. However, a code of ethics might support the principles for planetary health set out in the Canmore Declaration of 2018. Phrases such as “Public Health 2.0”, “Human Health in an Era of Global Environmental Change”, or “A safe and just operating space for humanity” are often used in planetary health discussions, but are not always clearly defined and so far, the field lacks a strong guiding ethical framework. In this paper, we propose a starting point towards a code of ethics for planetary health that builds on the Canmore Declaration. We chose to propose 12 ethical principles in recognition of the need for a 12-Step Programme for the planet. The human race must identify and reject damaging behaviours. Evidence of the harm we are causing the planet is no longer enough and refraining from certain current practices is essential for Earth’s future health. We must motivate advocacy and calls for action. We believe a shared ethical code can act as a tool to enable and encourage that process. This paper is presented to the planetary health community as a starting point, not as a finished agenda. We welcome comments, critiques, additions and the opportunity to rework our approach accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Foster & Jennifer Cole & Andrew Farlow & Ivica Petrikova, 2019. "Planetary Health Ethics: Beyond First Principles," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:10:y:2019:i:1:p:14-:d:206187
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Amartya Sen, 1997. "Maximization and the Act of Choice," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 65(4), pages 745-780, July.
    2. Yangyang Xu & Veerabhadran Ramanathan & David G. Victor, 2018. "Global warming will happen faster than we think," Nature, Nature, vol. 564(7734), pages 30-32, December.
    3. Xiao Dong & Brandon Milholland & Jan Vijg, 2016. "Evidence for a limit to human lifespan," Nature, Nature, vol. 538(7624), pages 257-259, October.
    4. Susan L. Prescott & Alan C. Logan & Glenn Albrecht & Dianne E. Campbell & Julian Crane & Ashlee Cunsolo & John W. Holloway & Anita L. Kozyrskyj & Christopher A. Lowry & John Penders & Nicole Redvers &, 2018. "The Canmore Declaration: Statement of Principles for Planetary Health," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-18, July.
    5. Daniel W. O’Neill & Andrew L. Fanning & William F. Lamb & Julia K. Steinberger, 2018. "A good life for all within planetary boundaries," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 1(2), pages 88-95, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jennifer Cole & Adam Eskdale & Jonathan D. Paul, 2022. "Tackling AMR: A Call for a(n Even) More Integrated and Transdisciplinary Approach between Planetary Health and Earth Scientists," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Samuel O. Abimbola & Melvine Anyango Otieno & Jennifer Cole, 2021. "Reducing the Use of Antimicrobials as a Solution to the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Approaching an Ethical Dilemma through the Lens of Planetary Health," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Dorit Nitzan & Bindu Nishal Andreuzza & Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, 2023. "The Food Systems, One Health, and Resilience (FOR) Approach—Led by the FOR-Runners," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Remco Kort & Jeremy Pivor & Josep M. Antó & Annemarie Bergsma & Peter J. Blankestijn & Olette Bollen & Egid van Bree & Joyce L. Browne & Judith de Bruin & Jasper Buikx & Chiara Cadeddu & Jennifer Cole, 2023. "Outcomes from the First European Planetary Health Hub Convening at ARTIS in Amsterdam," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-19, July.

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