A Proximization-Based Study on UNEP Foresight Report for Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing

This study applies Proximization Theory to conduct an in-depth analysis of the Planetary Health Foresight Report issued by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focusing on three dimensions: spatial, temporal, and axiological proximization. The findings reveal that the report primarily employs spatial proximization strategies to depict environmental crises, vividly illustrating their geographical distribution and scope of impact to intensify readers’ perception of urgency and severity. Complementing this approach, the report incorporates temporal proximization (e.g., historical trajectories and future projections of environmental issues) and axiological proximization (e.g., linking environmental degradation to human well-being and sustainable development), thereby reinforcing a sense of imminent crisis. This research provides empirical support for the application of Proximization Theory in environmental crisis discourse. It also offers practical insights for crisis management and public governance, contributing to the advancement of environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.