Planetary Health: why not empower the Sports and Exercise Medicine community to play the game of life well?

Abstract

Human activities affect the planet by altering natural cycles. They contribute to climate change and pollution, posing challenges to ecosystems, biodiversity, human well-being and health. There is a need to consider Planetary Health, which is described as a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analysing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to the Earth's natural systems on human health and all life on Earth. This viewpoint discusses the responsibilities, choices, potential roles and practical initiatives concerning Planetary Health for the Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) community. Practices in both medicine and sport impact the environment. We can shift our human and SEM activities and adopt a Planetary Health approach. Our role as the SEM community is to protect and promote the health of athletes and populations. This also involves caring for the environment, given the close link between environmental and human health. Therefore, as an SEM community, we are concerned about the health of our ecosystems and the importance of respecting planetary boundaries. Our scientific expertise, inspirational leadership and ethics should encourage us to raise awareness and become exemplary torchbearers. We must embrace the challenge of addressing humanity's planetary crises to rise to the occasion, uphold our values and strengthen our connection with nature: 'faster, higher, stronger-all together'.