Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are major threats to the sustainability of all life on our planet. They cause disease, disability and premature death that fall most heavily on the world's most vulnerable populations. Pollution alone kills more than 9 million people each year.

We're working to change that.

Boston College has established the Global Observatory on Planetary Health to track the impacts of planetary degradation on human health and to develop science-based solutions.  We are examining the impacts of climate change on children’s health and air pollution on heart disease.  We are studying the health hazards of plastics across their life cycle and working with the United Nations to craft a strong and legally binding Global Plastics Treaty. We are working with colleagues at the Boston College Law School to develop options for reform of national and international chemical policy that will protect human health and advance social justice.

The work of the Global Observatory on Planetary Health is inspired and guided by Pope Francis’ teaching in his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, calling on all of us to care for our planet - our Common Home, end injustice, and exercise a preferential option for the poor.

The Observatory has established partnerships with the UN Environment Programme, the  World Health Organization and the Centre Scientifique de Monaco. 

In all of our work, we train and mentor students, building professional capacity in planetary health for future generations.