Planetary Health & Climate-Smart Healthcare: WHIS Leading the Charge for a Healthy People–Healthy Planet Future
At the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS), we believe that human health and planetary health are inseparable. As climate change increasingly disrupts ecosystems, economies, and healthcare systems, our mission to create sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. That’s why we are championing the movement toward climate-smart healthcare—a powerful response to the dual crises of environmental degradation and public health.
Planetary health recognizes the deep interdependence between human wellbeing and the state of the natural world. When air is polluted, when water is scarce, or when food systems collapse, health outcomes suffer—especially for the world’s most vulnerable populations. Rising temperatures are contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and exacerbating chronic illnesses.
In response, climate-smart healthcare systems are emerging as a vital part of the solution. These systems aim not only to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare—which accounts for nearly 5% of global emissions—but also to build resilience against climate-related health threats. This includes everything from ensuring supply chain sustainability to redesigning hospitals to withstand extreme weather, to integrating environmental data into healthcare decision-making.
At WHIS, we are working with partners across cities, communities, and industries to accelerate this transformation. Our initiatives support the creation of green hospitals, promote sustainable procurement practices, and advocate for healthcare that respects both people and the planet. Whether it’s through WHISatWork, WHISSeniors, or our city innovation hubs, we are embedding climate-smart principles into every level of care.
We also amplify the voices of those pioneering innovation in this space—from architects designing low-energy clinics, to scientists developing biodegradable medical products, to policy leaders advancing net-zero health strategies. WHIS provides a global platform for these changemakers to collaborate, scale, and drive forward a just transition to a sustainable health economy.
But climate-smart healthcare isn’t just a technical fix—it’s a cultural shift. It requires systems thinking, cross-sector partnerships, and the courage to reimagine what healthcare can be. It means recognizing that a healthy environment is a precondition for human health—not a luxury.
As we face this defining challenge of our time, WHIS is committed to advancing planetary health as a foundation for global wellbeing. Together, we can transform health systems to heal both people and the planet—and create a legacy of resilience, equity, and hope for generations to come.