Planetary Health
The Department of Medicine Planetary Health Group supports and advances education, quality improvement, and research that explore the connections between human health and the changing environment. Our aim is to help clinicians, learners, staff, and researchers understand how planetary changes influence patient and population health, and to empower the DOM to lead in sustainable, equitable healthcare practices.
Planetary Health is an interdisciplinary field that acknowledges the interdependence between the health of the planet and its natural systems alongside human health and wellbeing. Learn more about Planetary Health from the Planetary Health Alliance.
Who We Are
Dr. Claire Barber MD FRCPC PhD is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Calgary and is the Associate Vice Chair for Planetary Health in the DOM. She holds the Grace Glaum Professorship (McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health, Cumming School of Medicine). She is an epidemiologist and health services researcher. She specializes in rheumatology with a focus on inflammatory arthritis. Her research is dedicated to optimizing quality of care and healthcare sustainability.
Understanding Planetary Health
Several organizations have issued a "Code Red" warning for planetary health, emphasizing the urgent need for action in response to the growing health impacts of climate change.
Climate change affects health through risks such as extreme heat, poor air quality, changes in water safety, and more frequent severe weather events. For a detailed overview of these risks, see the Government of Canada’s Risks to health from climate change resource.
The Roadmap for Planetary Health and Sustainable Health Systems for Canadian Medical Professionals provides practical, evidence‑informed guidance for transforming healthcare to reduce environmental impact and improve climate resilience across Canada
New Planetary Health Courses Now Available
Developed by PGME’s Centralized Educational Programming team in collaboration with Dr. Claire Barber, these courses introduce residents, faculty, and staff to Planetary Health as an essential and growing area of health care practice. Register through D2L and learn alongside colleagues from across disciplines.
Tips to Green Your Practice
Human activity, including the way we deliver healthcare, contributes to climate change. The healthcare sector alone is responsible for an estimated 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the importance of making our clinical practices more sustainable.
Initiatives
Education & Resources
