Term Definition Last updated
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

A diverse range of preventable and treatable infectious diseases classically found in low-income…

Net zero

Greenhouse gas emissions balanced with their removal meaning there is no additional greenhouse…

Ocean acidification

The reduction in ocean pH (meaning the ocean is more acidic) due to atmospheric carbon dioxide…

Oceanic sink

The ocean is a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which dissolves. This…

One Health

A collaborative and unified multidisciplinary approach to improve human, animal, plant, and…

Pandemic

International spread of an infectious disease, typically affecting people worldwide.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Microscopic solid or liquid particles in the atmosphere. Particulate matter can be natural (such…

Pesticides

Substances to control pests including insecticides for insects and herbicides for weeds.…

Planetary boundaries

Environmental limits which define a safe operating space for humanity to maintain a stable and…

Planetary Health Diet (PHD)

An evidence-based, plant-focussed diet developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission to be…

Planetary Health Education Framework

A framework to guide learning and teaching about planetary health in higher education.

Planetary health lens

Viewing issues (and making decisions) from a planetary health perspective, such as considering…

Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC)

A student-led, metric-based evaluation of planetary health education in health professional…

Pollinators

Animals (such as bees, birds, and bats) that transfer pollen between flowers enabling plants to…

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances (e.g. chemicals, greenhouse gases) or energy (e.g. heat,…

Preparedness

Readiness to deal with disasters and emergencies, such as extreme weather events.

Psychoterratic syndromes

Mental health conditions caused by the impact of environmental change and disasters on…

Quality of air (Air quality)

How clean and safe air is, considering air pollution.

Quality of water (Water quality)

How suitable water is for a particular purpose (such as drinking or swimming), considering the…

Renewable energy

Energy derived from natural sources that are sustainable. Examples include solar power, wind…

Resilience

The ability to cope with and manage the negative impacts of climate change.

São Paulo Declaration

The São Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health is a co-created, global call to action for…

Seasonality

Predictable periodic variations during a year, such as in predictable changes in weather…

Stewardship

Actions to protect the environment and tackle climate change. 

Stripes (Show Your Stripes)

Visual representations of global warming and biodiversity loss as coloured stripes.