On the 14th of October, at the start of Global Climate Change Week, the Planetary Health Collaborative for Nurses and Midwives released “Nurses and Midwives for Planetary Health: A Call to Action“. This declaration marks a significant moment for nurses and midwives in advancing planetary health in our practice and our community.

As nurses and midwives, we are in a unique position to influence health and wellbeing—not just for individuals, but for our planet. The connection between human health and the health of our planet has never been more evident, as the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution (the triple planetary crisis) disrupt lives across the globe.

The climate crisis is not just a scientific or political issue—it is a health crisis and a social justice issue. The good news? We have the power to make a difference. Nurses and midwives, with their intimate knowledge of communities and a deep sense of care, are perfectly positioned to lead the way. We are at the forefront of healthcare, witnessing the toll that the triple planetary crisis takes on the most vulnerable—pregnant women, children, the elderly, and marginalised communities. Yet, amid this, there is hope. Hope in our capacity to act, educate, and advocate for a healthier, more equitable future.

Recognising the Crisis, Embracing the Challenge

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, warned, “We are playing Russian roulette with our planet. We need an exit ramp off the highway to climate hell.” While this paints a bleak picture, the true hope lies in the fact that we, as nurses and midwives, are indeed building that road to planetary health. Every action we take—whether in educating communities, advocating for better policies, or caring for the most vulnerable—helps pave the way towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

We know the facts. We understand the risks. And most importantly, we know that the solutions lie in our hands. By educating ourselves and others, by advocating for climate health at every level of policy, and by centring the voices of the most vulnerable, we can lead our world towards a healthier path.

Together, We Lead

This movement towards planetary health is not one we embark on alone. There is immense hope in the power of collaboration, in the strength of our collective voice, and in the unwavering commitment of nurses and midwives to protect the health of all.

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