Medical journal The Lancet has published a proposal for an interprofessional planetary health pledge that is based on the Declaration of Geneva, to unite health professionals in the Anthropocene.
The proposed pledge begins with the words: “I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity, and to the protection of natural systems on which human health depends.
The health of people, their communities, and the planet will be my first consideration and I will maintain the utmost respect for human life, as well as reverence for the diversity of life on Earth…”
So what?
Health professionals are among the most trusted members of society. Expanding the current concept of ‘first do no harm’ to include planetary health would symbolise deep recognition of the interconnectedness of human health with the health of the natural systems we depend upon.
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