Healing the Planet, Healing Ourselves: A Post-Growth Approach to Public Health

A paper published in The Lancet in January 2025 that was included in a LinkedIn newsletter by Donna Okell inspired this feature. It also reminded me of some of the interviews we have done with guests over the last few years that focus on topics that are connected to this overarching subject. Some of which I refer to.

An impressive collection of Professors linked to institutes such as ICREA, Barcelona, Spain, the International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK, and others pose their thoughts and findings in Post-growth: the science of wellbeing within planetary boundaries

They discuss how the escalating climate crisis poses profound challenges to human health, necessitating a reevaluation of our economic paradigms to ensure both environmental sustainability and public well-being. The concept of “post-growth” advocates for shifting away from the traditional emphasis on economic expansion, focusing instead on achieving societal well-being within the Earth’s ecological limits.

This approach is gaining traction among health professionals and policymakers who recognise the intertwined nature of ecological health and human health.

Understanding Post-Growth and Its Relevance to Health

Post-growth challenges the conventional belief that continuous economic growth is synonymous with societal progress. It emphasises ecological balance, equitable resource distribution, and prioritising health and well-being over financial metrics. In the context of public health, this perspective underscores a core truth: a healthy population depends on a healthy planet. Environmental degradation—driven by relentless economic pursuits—has direct and indirect adverse effects on human health.

Climate Change: A Multifaceted Health Threat

The health implications of climate change are extensive and well documented.

• Extreme Heat Events: Rising temperatures increase the frequency and severity of heatwaves, leading to heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially among the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions. (CDC)

• Air Quality Deterioration: Warmer climates exacerbate air pollution, increasing ground-level ozone and particulate matter that trigger respiratory and cardiovascular issues. (EPA)

• Vector-Borne Diseases: Changing climate patterns expand the habitat range of disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the spread of illnesses such as malaria and Lyme disease. (Wikipedia)

• Water and Food Security: Droughts, floods, and extreme weather events disrupt water and food systems, fuelling malnutrition and disease outbreaks. (AP News)

• Mental Health Challenges: The trauma and uncertainty from climate-related disasters contribute to growing rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. (Wikipedia)

Below is Part 4 of the series with Nadina Galle, who is a world-renowned expert on trees and nature in our cities. The entire series can be found here under Nadina Galle.

“Nature has a calming and restorative effect. It can improve our mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being—it’s not just a luxury; it’s essential.”– Dr Nadina Galle

Biophilic Design and Nature: Natural Allies in the Post-Growth Health Transition

One of the most powerful yet underutilised tools in the post-growth health strategy is nature itself. Biophilic design—incorporating natural elements into urban and built environments—has proven benefits for both physical and mental health, and plays a role in climate resilience.

Nederland, Amsterdam, 31-10-2020
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Nadina Galle, PhD Ecological Engineer • Entrepreneur • TEDx & Keynote Speaker • #ForbesUnder30 • Enabling urban ecologists to apply today’s technology • #InternetofNature
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PHOTO AND COPYRIGHT ROGER CREMERS

• Reducing Urban Heat: Green infrastructure like tree canopies, green roofs, and parks help to mitigate urban heat island effects, reducing exposure to dangerous temperatures. Research from the Nature Conservancy supports this as a climate adaptation strategy.

• Improving Air Quality: Vegetation naturally filters pollutants and fine particulates, helping to purify the air. The World Health Organization cites poor air quality as one of the top threats to public health—something green spaces directly address.

• Enhancing Mental Wellbeing: Access to nature is linked with reduced stress, lower rates of depression and anxiety, and increased cognitive performance. A 2021 study in Scientific Reports found that just 120 minutes a week in natural environments dramatically improves overall well-being (Scientific Reports).

• Strengthening Community Health: Biophilic places foster social connection and encourage physical activity—key drivers of community resilience. They’re especially vital in low-income areas where access to health-promoting spaces is often limited.

• Low-Carbon Design: Nature-based solutions often replace energy-intensive infrastructure. Green buildings and sustainable urban planning reduce emissions while enhancing liveability.

Post-growth thinking doesn’t just allow space for nature—it makes it central. Instead of designing cities for cars and consumption, we begin designing them for health, equity, and ecological integration.

When it comes to design and nature, another amazing guest we had on the Constructive Voices podcast was Dr. Julia Watson, Author and Harvard Professor.

“We forget that we need trees and plants to breathe… We’re part of this incredibly intelligent web of life. And sometimes, in nature, we get these energetic moments of connection — that’s what design should help reweave.” Dr. Julia Watson

Below you can tune into the interview with Dr. Julia Watson

Health Professionals Leading the Call for Change

Recognising the profound impacts of climate change on health, healthcare professionals are increasingly calling for urgent systemic change. In the UK, the Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) brings together major health institutions to push for climate action, framing it as a public health necessity. With over 650,000 healthcare professionals represented, the message is clear: mitigating climate change is health work.

Rethinking Healthcare Systems for Climate and Health

To meet the demands of a changing climate, health systems are integrating sustainability and resilience into their frameworks.

• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Hospitals are being retrofitted or built to withstand extreme weather and energy disruptions. (Reuters)

• Curriculum Reform: Medical schools are embedding climate and health education to prepare future clinicians. Dr. Renee Salas, a leading voice in climate-health education, has helped shape new models for integrating these topics in medical training. (Wikipedia)

• Sustainable Operations: Hospitals and clinics are adopting low-carbon practices—reducing energy use, cutting emissions, and promoting circular systems in waste and procurement. (EPA)

My next podcast suggestion is: Jane Findlay: When We Damage Nature We Damage Our Own Health

“I think people are beginning to realize just how important our survival is and how dependent our survival is on nature. And anything we do to damage nature actually damages our own health.” Jane Findlay

The post-growth paradigm offers more than a critique of traditional economics—it offers a lifeline for planetary and human health. By shifting focus from GDP to genuine well-being, societies can build systems where nature, people, and future generations all flourish.

Nature is not a luxury in this equation—it’s foundational. Biophilic cities, green healthcare systems, and equitable access to nature all form part of a new health infrastructure that is both sustainable and just. Health professionals have a critical role in advocating for this vision—not just treating the symptoms of a sick planet, but helping to heal its causes.