Policy

The Policy Research Accelerator (PRA) is an initiative of the JHIPH Policy Program, established to translate Planetary Health research across Johns Hopkins to influence and impact policy, from the local to the global.

The PRA is developing a curated database of Planetary Health policy case studies. We invite submissions from researchers, students, and collaborators who have examples of policy impact across sectors and scales, from local to global.

JHIPH’s Policy Program collaborates with global experts to develop foundational scholarship in shaping and advancing the field of Planetary Health Law.

• Environmental Health: Towards Synthesis in Global Law and Governance
• The ICJ Advisory Opinion: A Legal Mandate for Planetary Health 

United Nations Development Programme Collaborating Center

In April 2025, JHIPH finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP. This agreement, signed by the Provost, established a framework for cooperation between the parties, particularly in terms of sharing research and policy developments on Planetary Health, mainstreaming and amplifying Planetary Health approaches in policy and practice, hosting joint convenings, and publishing work in the field. Through this collaboration, JHIPH and UNDP aim to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, developing a plan of action to align and coordinate efforts in achieving shared goals for putting Planetary Health into practice.  

Collaboration with Georgetown University O’Neill Institute

JHIPH and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University are collaborating in the emerging field of Planetary Health law, governance, and policy. This partnership leverages the O’Neill Institute’s pioneering expertise in global health law, combining it with JHU’s specialized knowledge in Planetary Health law and policy. Together, we aim to advance the field, starting with a law review article and associated Lancet commentary that defines Planetary Health Law and explores its implications for law, governance, and policy in addressing interconnected human health and global environmental challenges. 

JHIPH has been at the forefront of promoting Planetary Health law within intergovernmental organizations, building connections, and exploring potential collaborations. Our faculty have engaged in discussions with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on integrating human rights frameworks into Planetary Health scholarship and practice, particularly regarding the right to a healthy environment. Our faculty also met with the World Health Organization to discuss the incorporation of health into global climate negotiations and, as a representative of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, attended negotiations advocating for the inclusion of Planetary Health in a new international treaty aimed at addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

• Planetary Health Law, Governance, and Policy Convening
  • April 6, 2024
• January Planetary Health Dinner
  • January 9, 2025 | Learn more