LiPH
What is the meaning of
Leadership in Planetary Health
LiPH (pronounced “Life”) is a pioneering fellowship for physicians, launched by the Johns Hopkins Department of Emergency Medicine, with a bold vision to expand across medical specialties and disciplines through the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health. Designed to rapidly equip fellows with the tools to integrate their expertise into the Planetary Health framework, the program empowers clinicians to create transformative solutions and amplify their impact on the interconnected challenges facing humanity and all life on Earth.
By its nature, all LiPH is connected.
Planetary Health
is a transdisciplinary field focused on the interconnections between human health and the health of Earth’s natural systems. It emphasizes that the well-being of humanity is deeply dependent on the planet’s ecological balance, advocating for solutions that protect both human life and the environment to ensure a future where we can all thrive.
Our Home
The environments we inhabit—lush forests, flowing rivers, vast oceans, and vibrant grasslands—are the result of billions of years of evolution, shaping a delicate balance that sustains all life. These natural systems provide the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, creating the perfect moment in Earth's history for humanity to thrive. Our civilization is deeply intertwined with these systems; their health underpins our own. When we disrupt this balance—through climate change, pollution, and unsustainable transformation of the land and water—we threaten not only the natural world but also the foundations of human health and well-being. Understanding and protecting this profound interdependence is at the heart of the Planetary Health framework.
Our Neighbors
The species that share our planet are more than just neighbors—they are vital contributors to the intricate web of life that sustains us all. Ethically, protecting biodiversity reflects our responsibility to safeguard the myriad forms of life that have evolved over billions of years. Practically, it is essential for our own survival. Biodiversity supports ecosystems that provide clean air and water, pollinate crops, regulate climate, and help prevent the spread of diseases. When we disrupt these systems, we jeopardize the delicate balance that underpins our health, economies, and communities. By preserving biodiversity, we not only honor the intrinsic value of all life but also ensure a resilient and thriving future for humanity.
Our Time
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that defines the current period in Earth’s history, marked by humanity's profound and pervasive impact on every natural system and living being on the planet. The term reflects an era where there is essentially no place on Earth untouched by human influence. Our relationship with nature has fundamentally shifted, as our actions ripple across every corner of the planet, altering ecosystems and shaping the future of life itself.
Yet, within this immense influence lies our potential for profound good. The Anthropocene is not only a call to recognize our impact but also an opportunity to embrace the beauty of our own breadth as a species. Through our arts, stories, technologies, cultures, indigenous knowledges, and unparalleled ability to adapt, we can redefine our role as responsible stewards of the natural world.
Mission Statement
LiPH is a program for those who want to connect their expertise to meaningful action, fostering solutions that honor and sustain the interconnected fabric of life on Earth. By equipping leaders with the tools and connections to address Earth Crisis through the lens of Planetary Health, LiPH empowers individuals to create transformative change, advance equity, and secure a livable future for all life on Earth.