Embracing a planetary health systems approach to tackling interconnected public health challenges

Abstract Recognising that a healthy planet is essential for the health and well-being of all life on Earth, National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) are increasingly embracing a planetary health systems approach to tackle the many challenges we face, particularly concerning climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. This presentation will emphasise the need for a shift in perspective to recognise the deep interconnections between human, animal, ecological and earth systems and the public health necessity and benefits to address them as an integrated whole. We will examine the concept of planetary boundaries, which are being increasingly transgressed through human activities, pushing the planet beyond safe operating thresholds. This disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and future generations, emphasising the need for just and equitable solutions. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities of adopting a holistic, systems-based approach in public health to tackle these complex global issues. We will explore the importance of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration to raise awareness and promote transformation while addressing planetary health. We will also highlight why NPHIs and other public health actors - as trusted advisors and partners - are well placed to identify and ameliorate unintended negative consequences and to highlight opportunities for co-benefits of actions to address health threats, such as climate change. Adopting transformative systems approaches is not without its challenges. Political and leadership resistance and lack of funding opportunities can prevent organisations from embracing these approaches. Nevertheless some NPHIs and other public health actors are already well on their way. We will explore barriers and enablers and present possible solutions for public health actors in adopting and promoting such systems-based approaches to protect people and planet.