Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on planetary health

This landmark Commission report examines the relationship between human health and the Earth's natural systems, introducing planetary health as a framework for understanding the consequences of environmental degradation. It explores how improvements in human health and development have occurred alongside increasing pressures on ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources.

The report examines threats arising from climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, freshwater scarcity, ocean acidification and unsustainable resource use. It considers their implications for food security, infectious diseases, human displacement and population health, particularly among vulnerable communities.

The Commission identifies weaknesses in governance, knowledge and implementation that hinder effective responses to environmental change. It calls for integrated approaches across health, environmental management, economics and public policy to protect natural systems while sustaining improvements in human wellbeing and reducing inequalities.

Access requirements: The article is free to access through The Lancet website.

Citation: Whitmee S, Haines A, Beyrer C, Boltz F, Capon AG, de Souza Dias BF, et al. Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on planetary health. The Lancet. 2015;386(10007):1973–2028. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60901-1