People & Planet Health 2026
About this Event
People and Planet Health 26
…how to look after your own health and save the planet at the same time.
is a unique two-day conference bringing together health professionals, environmental organisations, researchers, artists, community groups, educators, policymakers and members of the public to explore and explain this simple but powerful idea.
Definitions
Planetary Health is a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analysing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth's natural systems on human health and all life on Earth.
An authoritative and comprehensive definition of Planetary Health from the Planetary Health Alliance
Planetary health is an analysis and search for solutions to the health problems for humans and nature caused by human activities.(A simplified version of the above)
- Planetary health recognises that people's health is inseparable from the health of our planet: clean air, safe water, healthy ecosystems and healthy people all depend on one another. And that the future of humans and all other life-forms, depends on us finding alternatives to nature destructive activities.
Through inspiring keynote speakers, thought-provoking discussions, practical examples and opportunities to network, we'll explore how individual choices, community action and collaboration across sectors as well as legal and political action will create a healthier world for people and planet.
Whether you're concerned for the future of yourself, your family or our planet this conference offers opportunities to connect with others, share ideas and help shape positive change in our society.
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Featured Speakers
Our growing programme brings together internationally recognised experts, researchers, health professionals, environmental leaders, artists and community changemakers. Together, they'll explore the connections between human wellbeing and the natural world, sharing practical ideas and inspiring solutions for creating a healthier future for people and planet.
Additional speakers and sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Professor Sir Andrew Haines
Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and co-author of Planetary Health safeguarding Human health and the environment in the Anthropocene
Professor Sir Andrew Haines is internationally recognised as one of the founders of the planetary health movement. A former Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, he chaired the landmark Rockefeller–Lancet Commission on Planetary Health and has advised the World Health Organization, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and governments across the world on the health impacts of climate and environmental change. As co-author of Planetary Health: Safeguarding Human Health and the Environment in the Anthropocene, his work has transformed global understanding of the inseparable relationship between environmental sustainability and human wellbeing. This collection of essays has inspired the programming of this conference
Keynote: From Polycrisis to Planetary Health
Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and growing inequalities are not isolated problems - they are interconnected crises that demand joined-up solutions. Professor Haines will explore how a planetary health approach offers hope, showing how actions that protect nature can also improve public health, strengthen communities and build a more resilient future.
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Dr Helen Kopnina
Assistant Professor, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University
Dr Helen Kopnina is an internationally respected environmental scientist, educator and author whose research spans biodiversity conservation, environmental ethics, sustainability education and the rights of nature. She has published extensively on the relationship between human societies and the natural world, encouraging educators, policymakers and communities to rethink our responsibilities towards other species and future generations.
Teaching the Overlap: How Shared Vulnerabilities Between Humans and Other Species Can Shift Environmental Engagement
Dr Kopnina explores how recognising the shared vulnerabilities of humans and other species can inspire actions with multiple positive impact on the polycrisis and deeper environmental engagement, fostering greater empathy, resilience and more meaningful action for nature.
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Councillor Jonathan Elmer
Environmental Campaigner and Local Government Representative
Councillor Jonathan Elmer has been at the forefront of efforts to secure legal recognition for the rights of nature in the UK. Working alongside Mumta Ito and the charity Nature's Rights, he has played a leading role in developing and bringing the UK's Nature's Rights Bill before Parliament. His work explores how legal systems can better protect ecosystems and reshape our relationship with the natural world.
The Development, Parliamentary Tabling and Progress of the UK's Nature's Rights Bill
Jonathan will take audiences behind the scenes of one of the UK's most ambitious environmental campaigns, exploring how recognising nature as a rights-holder could transform environmental protection, democracy and public policy.
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Roisin Taylor
UK Youth for Nature
Roisin Taylor is an environmental campaigner working with UK Youth for Nature, empowering young people to influence environmental policy and advocate for a healthier future. Her work includes campaigns on pesticide reduction, clean water and biodiversity restoration, highlighting the essential links between healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.
Pesticides, Clean Water and Nature Recovery
Roisin will explore why reducing pesticide use and protecting our rivers and waterways are critical for safeguarding biodiversity, public health and future generations, while demonstrating the power of youth-led environmental action.
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Rachel Oliver
Sortition Foundation
Rachel Oliver works with the Sortition Foundation, an organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy through citizens' assemblies and deliberative decision-making. She has extensive experience supporting communities and public institutions to tackle complex challenges by bringing together, randomly selected representative groups of citizens to develop informed, balanced and inclusive solutions.
Citizen Assemblies as a Democratic Mechanism
How can ordinary people help shape extraordinary decisions? Rachel will explore how citizens' assemblies are transforming democratic participation, giving communities a stronger voice in addressing climate change, public health and environmental policy.
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Alan Trevethan
Alan Trevethan: Polymath and autodidact is an author, journalist, advocate, active participant for a thriving future, and chronicler of Newcastle’s civic society & Northumbria’s Sustainable Business Seminars. As an author he is serially publishing ‘Grasping the Nettle of Change’ - Connecting Planet, People, and Empowerment.
His personal and complex tapestry of experiences has reinforced education’s fundamental truth. Navigating different social systems, facing personal setbacks and adapting to new environments continuously demonstrates that true learning is a lifelong process. Far beyond the confines of structured institutions, it continuously shapes who we become.
The Art of Living with Nature: The Symbiotic City
The talk explores how cities like Newcastle can reclaim sanity, health and resilience by integrating nature into their urban fabric.
More Speakers to be Announced
Our programme continues to grow, with new speakers, workshops and interactive sessions being announced over the coming weeks.
Presented by Planet Action Street Arts and National History Society of Northumbria
Sponsored by National Lottery Community Fund and Community Foundation North East
This is the second conference of Planet Action Street Arts, created to bring together people, and ideas and to work together across the disciplines of science, art, health and community action. Together, we can build a healthier future.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
