February 27, 2025
As the world faces escalating environmental crises, the health impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are contributing to a growing burden of diseases and conditions that medical professionals must be prepared to address. In addition, global health system activities are responsible for 4.4-5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making healthcare itself a significant contributor to environmental harm. Hospitals and healthcare institutions must not only address the health impacts of climate change but also reduce their own environmental footprint in order to lead by example.
In response to this urgent need, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) has developed a Roadmap for Planetary Health and Sustainable Health Systems for Canadian Medical Professionals. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to equip the medical professionals of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate and mitigate the health impacts of climate change. It also offers actionable strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare systems, supporting the transition to more sustainable, resilient health practices across Canada.
Developed through extensive collaboration with medical educators, Indigenous knowledge holders, public health experts, and environmental health advocates, the roadmap integrates planetary health principles into medical education and healthcare practices. It provides medical faculties, institutions, and healthcare providers with an adaptable, practical framework to incorporate these principles into patient care, medical training, and institutional policies.
The roadmap was formally approved by AFMC’s Board of Directors, comprising the Deans of Canada’s medical schools, in late 2024. With this approval, the roadmap is now set to be implemented, providing a valuable resource for all stakeholders involved in medical education and healthcare delivery.
AFMC invites healthcare professionals, institutions, and community members to engage with this important initiative. To learn more about AFMC’s work in planetary health, download the full roadmap, and add your name to the Academic Health Institutions’ Declaration on Planetary Health, which has already garnered support from over 800 signatories.