Establishing Principles for Planetary Health Cities
Members from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health, Carey Business School, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, School of Medicine, and partner organizations—such as the World Bank and Buro Happold—have formed a working group to develop principles for Planetary Health Cities. This collaboration aims to integrate existing urban regeneration frameworks from the public, private, and academic sectors into a unified approach for creating more livable and sustainable cities and is further strengthened by rich international engagement facilitated through the Planetary Health Alliance.
This effort will culminate in a concept paper, which will be further developed, refined, and advanced at the Johns Hopkins Planetary Health Cities Symposium on June 16, 2025.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining the working group or contributing to the concept paper, please contact Practice Program Associate Matt Rigsby.
Events
2025 Planetary Health Cities Symposium (6/16/25)
The Planetary Health Cities initiative reimagines urban health through the lens of Planetary Health — where cities not only protect and promote the well-being of their residents but also safeguard the Earth’s natural systems and finite resources. This symposium will bring together diverse voices to advance this vital agenda, integrating innovative frameworks and strategies to address climate change, environmental degradation, and public health challenges in urban environments.
Registration for the event is closed due to capacity.
2025 Planetary Health Annual Meeting (10/7- 10/10/25)
The Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM) is a global gathering of thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, and changemakers dedicated to building a healthier, more regenerative future. At this year’s meeting in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, members of the Planetary Health Cities Working Group will present a concept paper outlining principles for Planetary Health Cities.
2026 Planetary Health Cities Symposium (Date TBD)
Building on the momentum of the inaugural Planetary Health Cities Symposium, the 2026 symposium will continue to explore how cities can become catalysts for both human and planetary well-being. Guided by the principles of the Planetary Health framework, this gathering will convene a diverse range of urban leaders, researchers, practitioners, and community advocates to co-create solutions at the intersection of health, equity, and sustainability.
Stay tuned for more details.
View global Planetary Health resources on Built Environment and Urbanization
Browse the Planetary Health Alliance’s collection of research articles, tools, videos, and other Planetary Health resources related to built environment and urbanization.
Visit PHARead About Planetary Health Cities
- Special Report— Planetary Health in Asia: Representatives from JHIPH and PHA traveled to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, engaging in exciting discussions on Planetary Health and urban sustainability. Read more about their journey on PHA’s blog.
- Seydina Fall’s Vision for Planetary Health Cities: These travels across Asia strengthened JHIPH and PHA’s understanding of the growing global movement towards regenerative and equitable urban development—efforts that align with the vision of Planetary Health Cities.
Learn More
The Planetary Health Cities initiative is part of JHIPH’s Practice Program, which aims to drive innovation across science and technology, business, finance, and the built environment in support of the rapid structural changes needed to safeguard a livable future. Learn more about the program here.