Planetary Health

Preparing Nursing Students for the Future

Abstract

Background: 

Climate change around the globe is impacting human and planetary health at unprecedented rates. Nurses are well positioned to act as climate leaders, given their critical role globally.

Problem: 

Current and future nurses must work to mitigate climate-related health effects. It is necessary that a planetary health approach is integrated into nursing education.

Approach: 

Curricular modifications, using the Planetary Health Education Framework, are presented, which will promote awareness and understanding of climate health among future nurses. The framework is grounded in equity, which is well suited to nursing education, and can be readily adapted into current nursing curricula.

Outcomes: 

Recommendations for nursing education are presented within the 5 domains of the framework.

Conclusions: 

Future nurses are called on to be exemplary planetary health communicators, educators, advocates, and leaders. The Planetary Health Education Framework promotes nursing leadership in practice and in advocating for a climate-resistant future.