Planetary Health

The UNC School of Nursing recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of the environments in which they live. Nurses play an important role in promoting healthy communities, advancing evidence-based practices and supporting health systems that protect both people and the planet.

Through education, research and collaboration, Carolina Nursing prepares students and health professionals to understand how environmental factors influence health and to support practices that contribute to healthier communities.

Why Planetary Health Matters

Environmental conditions can influence many aspects of human health, including respiratory health, access to clean water, food systems and the spread of certain diseases.

Health professionals are increasingly exploring how environmental stewardship and health care practices can work together to improve population health.

Nurses are uniquely positioned to:

- Understand how environmental factors affect patient and community health

- Support safe and sustainable practices in health care settings

- Educate patients and communities about environmental health considerations

- Contribute to research and quality improvement efforts related to health and the environment

Faculty, students and collaborators across the school are exploring topics such as:

Environmental influences on population health

Sustainable practices in health care settings

Waste reduction and responsible resource use

Environmental exposures and patient outcomes

Community partnerships that support healthy environments

Get Involved in Planetary Health at Carolina Nursing

Sustainable Carolina
Sustainable Carolina provides support for green programs, including green offices and green labs at UNC Chapel Hill. This support comes in the form of workshops and training, and resources. Interested Schools, departments, and units can create teams to work on any of the eight Sustainable Carolina modules.

Green Teams
Green teams are self-organized, cross-functional groups of SON employees who voluntarily come together to educate, inspire and empower employees around sustainability. They identify and implement specific solutions to help their organization operate more sustainably. Learn how to form a green team, and please each out to Julie Jacobson Vann, associate professor and director of planetary health, if you have any questions.

Planetary Health Orientation
Please reach out to Director of Planetary Health Julie Jacobson Vann if you’re interested in an orientation session.

Julie Jacobson Vann, PhD, MS, RN

Associate Professor & Director of Planetary Health

Ashley Leak Bryant, PhD, RN, OCN, FAAN

Senior Associate Dean for Strategy and Global Affairs and Frances Hill Fox Distinguished Term Professor