A planetary health pledge for health professionals in the Anthropocene

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.

I will practise my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good practice, taking into account planetary health values and principles.

To do no harm, I will respect the autonomy and dignity of all persons in adopting an approach to maintaining and creating health which focuses on prevention of harm to people and planet.

I will respect and honour the trust that is placed in me and leverage this trust to promote knowledge, values, and behaviours that support the health of humans and the planet.

I will actively strive to understand the impact that direct, unconscious, and structural bias may have on my patients, communities, and the planet, and for cultural self-awareness in my duty to serve.

I will advocate for equity and justice by actively addressing environmental, social,

and structural determinants of health while protecting the natural systems that underpin a viable planet for future generations.

I will acknowledge and respect diverse sources of knowledge and knowing regarding individual, community, and planetary health such as from Indigenous traditional knowledge systems while challenging attempts at spreading disinformation that can undermine planetary health.

I will share and expand my knowledge for the benefit of society and the planet; I will also actively promote transdisciplinary, inclusive action to achieve individual, community, and planetary health.

I will attend to my own health, wellbeing, and abilities in order to provide care and serve the community to the highest standards.

I will strive to be a role model for my patients and society by embodying planetary health principles in my own life, acknowledging that this requires maintaining the vitality of our common home.

I will not use my knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat; recognising that the human right to health necessitates maintaining planetary health.

I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honour. By taking this pledge, I am committing to a vision of personal, community, and planetary health that will enable the diversity of life on our planet to thrive now and in the future.

Original document in The Lancet