Reflexes of planetary health in the transdisciplinary process among health professionals

Abstract

Planetary Health has been consolidated as a transdisciplinary area of knowledge grounded in characterizing and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on the health of human beings and earth systems. The capitalist lifestyle drives environmental degradation and its consequences (such as climate emergency and biodiversity loss), and is related to the high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. This information, however, usually lacks the necessary emphasis in health teaching and learning process. Thus, this essay aims to systematize information that correlates environmental factors and human health from a systemic thinking perspective, highlighting the importance of reflecting on systemic health within health professions. As the bridge between scientific knowledge and society, health professionals can play the role of integral care agent and knowledge curator. Moreover, we must encourage systemic thinking in health education to achieve these roles, both in individual and collective attitudes.