Planetary Empathy: What it is and why it matters
Tracks
Track 3
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Menzies Theatrette |
Overview
Presenter: Prof Tracy Levett-jones MACN
Speaker
Professor Tracy Levett-jones MACN
Distinguished Professor
University of Technology Sydney
Planetary Empathy: What it is and why it matters
11:10 AM - 11:30 AMAbstract
Background: The field of planetary health emphasises the inseparability of human health with the natural environment. Despite this, human induced destruction of natural systems has persisted, threatening the stability of life on earth. An in-depth understanding of planetary empathy offers new opportunities for re-examining this challenge.
Aim: The presentation will outline the concept of planetary empathy, explore its significance for healthcare and healthcare professionals, and present the results of an international study that examined the planetary empathy levels of healthcare professionals.
Methods: The definition of planetary empathy was derived from a concept analysis that used Walker and Avant’s eight stage approach. A cross-sectional study was used to examine healthcare professionals’ planetary empathy levels.
Findings: Planetary empathy is defined as a cyclical ‘five R’ process of reflection, reciprocity, recognition, responsibility and response. Healthcare professionals possess varying levels of planetary empathy and those with higher levels are more likely to engage in pro-environmental clinical practices that mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Conclusion:
By examining the intrinsic connections between human health and planetary health, this presentation will describe how fostering a deep empathy for the planet can catalyse transformative actions among healthcare professionals. The concept of planetary empathy, grounded in reflection, reciprocity, recognition, responsibility, and response, is pivotal for advancing healthcare practices that promote both ecological and human wellbeing.
This presentation highlights the necessity for a paradigm shift in healthcare towards a more holistic, planetary-focused approach, urging healthcare professionals to reorient their practices to support the health of the planet as an essential component of quality patient care. It offers a nuanced understanding of planetary empathy and provides a foundation for further research and practical application in healthcare settings.
Aim: The presentation will outline the concept of planetary empathy, explore its significance for healthcare and healthcare professionals, and present the results of an international study that examined the planetary empathy levels of healthcare professionals.
Methods: The definition of planetary empathy was derived from a concept analysis that used Walker and Avant’s eight stage approach. A cross-sectional study was used to examine healthcare professionals’ planetary empathy levels.
Findings: Planetary empathy is defined as a cyclical ‘five R’ process of reflection, reciprocity, recognition, responsibility and response. Healthcare professionals possess varying levels of planetary empathy and those with higher levels are more likely to engage in pro-environmental clinical practices that mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Conclusion:
By examining the intrinsic connections between human health and planetary health, this presentation will describe how fostering a deep empathy for the planet can catalyse transformative actions among healthcare professionals. The concept of planetary empathy, grounded in reflection, reciprocity, recognition, responsibility, and response, is pivotal for advancing healthcare practices that promote both ecological and human wellbeing.
This presentation highlights the necessity for a paradigm shift in healthcare towards a more holistic, planetary-focused approach, urging healthcare professionals to reorient their practices to support the health of the planet as an essential component of quality patient care. It offers a nuanced understanding of planetary empathy and provides a foundation for further research and practical application in healthcare settings.
Biography
Tracy Levett-Jones is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. She is a world-leading nursing researcher who leads the Planetary Health Collaborative and Empathy Initiative research group. Tracy is ranked as one of the world’s top 1% of nursing scientists by Stanford University and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame in 2022.
