Johns Hopkins, UNDP Launch Global Centre to Tackle Planetary Health Crisis

In a bold move to confront the growing intersection between global environmental change and human well-being, the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Planetary Health (JHIPH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish a new Collaborating Centre on Planetary Health. The centre will serve as a global hub for research, advocacy, and innovation, connecting science with policy to address the urgent threats of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

A Global Response to Planetary Health Challenges

The new centre is being launched at a time when humanity faces what experts are calling a “triple planetary crisis”: climate change, pollution, and the unprecedented loss of biodiversity. These crises are not only ecological—they are deeply human, with mounting evidence showing severe health impacts, particularly in vulnerable low- and middle-income countries.

Planetary health is an emerging transdisciplinary field that explores the human health consequences of environmental degradation. It emphasizes a systems approach to protecting Earth’s natural life-support systems—clean air, stable climate, fertile soils, safe water—and ensuring they remain intact to sustain both people and ecosystems.

"The partnership between JHIPH and UNDP reflects the urgency of this moment," said Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP. “It is critical that Planetary Health research and practice is driven by and reaches those most affected by climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and health inequities. Communities and governments must have the tools they need to create better futures for everyone, everywhere.”

Harnessing Global Science for Local Action

The centre will combine world-class academic research from Johns Hopkins and its global partner, the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA), with the extensive field presence of UNDP’s 170 country offices. With members from over 80 countries, the Planetary Health Alliance comprises universities, NGOs, research institutions, and governments committed to understanding and addressing environmental threats to human health.

By integrating these networks, the centre aims to create an unprecedented platform to translate research into action, developing policy, grassroots initiatives, and regional strategies that reflect planetary health principles.

“Our evolving partnership with UNDP offers an extraordinary opportunity to expand the Alliance’s work and that of our members to drive local to global action,” said Dr. Sam Myers, Founding Director of the Planetary Health Alliance. “Our health depends on a stable Earth system, and together we will foster opportunities to improve human health by protecting and regenerating the natural life-support systems we all depend upon.”

Strategic Focus Areas and Global Impact

The centre will serve as a focal point to advance work in areas such as:

• Climate and disaster resilience

• Sustainable development

• Democratic governance

• Health and well-being

• Accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

It will also contribute to major global initiatives, including the UN Secretary-General’s Common Agenda, the Summit of the Future, and frameworks guiding the post-2030 agenda.

In addition to policy development, the centre will prioritize outreach, education, and advocacy. It will bolster the voice of youth through the Planetary Health Campus Ambassadors program and work closely with regional hubs, like the West Africa Regional Hub, to tailor solutions to local contexts.

“We are excited to build upon the growing momentum to implement local Planetary Health solutions,” said Mary Ashinyo, Lead of the Planetary Health West Africa Hub. “This is a critical step toward amplifying efforts at the grassroots level.”

Building on UNDP’s Strategic Commitments

The MoU builds on UNDP’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and planetary health, enshrined in its 2022–2025 Strategic Plan. UNDP’s climate, environment, and health portfolios are increasingly aligned with the principles of planetary health—recognizing that human development and environmental stewardship must go hand-in-hand.

From combating pollution and supporting nature-based climate adaptation to enhancing health equity and resilience, UNDP’s involvement in the Collaborating Centre will enhance its ability to address the complex, interlinked crises of the 21st century.

Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future

This new Collaborating Centre is poised to become a beacon for planetary health action, serving as a model for how science, governance, and community voices can work together to protect both human well-being and ecological integrity.

As the world grapples with accelerating climate threats and widening health disparities, the centre promises to provide evidence-based solutions, amplify underrepresented voices, and bring about transformative change.