The Pathways to Planetary Health initiative recognizes that the wellbeing of people and Earth are deeply interconnected. Our work integrates what we know about planetary health from science with what we learn from contemplative practice across traditions.
We build on over 20 years of experience developing practical, scalable approaches to addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. We are part of what the Planetary Health Alliance calls “a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on understanding and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth’s natural systems on human health and all life on Earth.”
We convene leaders – at the beautiful and serene Garrison Institute and beyond – to launch new initiatives, build understanding across sectors, and deepen partnerships for planetary health. We create custom-designed events to facilitate exchange, such as roundtables, workshops, and symposiums.
We conduct applied research and strategically engage with decision makers to open pathways for action, develop the leading edge of new fields of thought, and gather momentum for new cross-sector efforts.
We develop leadership programs to create conditions for transformative learning and to grow awareness of agency, confidence, and relational systems thinking among leaders in society.
We weave contemplative practice throughout our work to strengthen connections, provide balance, and inspire action.
Biodiversity Stewardship: Biodiversity is the ecological foundation of planetary health. The extraordinary variety and complexity of interdependent life on Earth generates adaptability and resilience. We partner with communities, NGOs, companies, and governments to evaluate and elevate biodiversity.
Ecological Cultures: Human systems for energy, food, buildings, transportation and other elements depend on, and impact, Earth. Many current activities – and the scales at which they occur – are not aligned with planetary health. Ecological cultures align human systems of thought, care, and behavior with ecological processes and Earth’s rhythms. We research and promote the development of ecological cultures that regenerate planetary health and improve the wellbeing of all life.
Regenerative Economies: We explore emerging economic systems that center on planetary health and align the wellbeing of financial systems, people, communities, and planet. Regenerative economies align our systems for determining and directing value with nature.
Common Good: The Commons is a recognition of shared responsibility across peoples, species, and generations. A Common Good ethic involves inclusion, inter-being, and mutuality. Value systems oriented to the Commons treat every element—from organisms in the soil to humanity itself—with reverence, respect, and care.
To explore partnership opportunities or learn about ways to support our work, please contact Stephen Posner, Director of Pathways to Planetary Health, at stephen@garrisoninstitute.org.