Bioethics for the planet

  • Warwick Anderson
  • , Jakelin Troy
  • , Tamara Lucas
  • , Anthony Capon
  • , Paul Komesaroff
  • , J Baird Caldicott
  • , Jennifer Cole
  • , James Dunk
  • , Renzo Guinto
  • , David S Jones
  • , Emma Kowal
  • , Susan L Prescott
  • , Nicole Redvers
  • , Christina Richie
  • , Susan M Sawyer
  • , Julian Sheather
  • , Sverker Sörlin
  • , Min Yee Tan
  • , Mujahid Torwali
  • , Ross Upshur
  • Alistair Wardrope, Verina Wild

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The conventional fields of bioethics and biomedical ethics are poorly equipped to offer health professionals and policy makers the action-based guidance necessary to confront these planetary-scale drivers of ill health. We call for more effective inclusion of planetary health in bioethics to identify, guide, and implement a forceful approach to these major global challenges. This approach would prioritise the “bios” component of bioethics, thereby encompassing the biosphere and offering a compelling ethical framework to support people working at the intersection of medical and environmental practices. Such an inclusion implies the development of bioethics less confined by anthropocentrism.
Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Lancet
Early online date29 Jul 2025
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 29 Jul 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education
  3. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  4. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Keywords

  • Bioethics
  • Planetary Health

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