Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) in collaboration with the Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub (PHA-J) held an event titled “Planetary Health: From Planetary Boundaries to the Next Actions” on February 27, 2026. The event provided an opportunity for students of the Planetary Health Academy, which was held online by HGPI and PHA-J in 2025, to meet in person. In addition to fostering interaction among participants who had previously deepened their learning online, the event featured a special lecture by Dr. Osamu Kunii. Dr. Kunii is the author of a recent publication on planetary health, and his lecture helped attendees deepen their understanding of the principles and practical applications of planetary health. The event brought together diverse group of participants who shared new perspectives were shared through the lecture and discussions, engaging in active dialogue.

■ Opening remarks

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Keiko Nakamura (Professor Emerita, Institute of Science Tokyo /Steering Committee Member, Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub). Nakamura outlined the following three main objectives of the event.

• Dissemination to the society: Promote the current state of planetary health and action widely across society, including the general public.
• Sharing and deepening of practice: Facilitate in-person interaction among instructors and participants, who have learned online, and share practical, field-based knowledge
• Building momentum toward PHAM 2027: To look ahead to the Planetary Health Alliance Annual Meeting (PHAM) scheduled to be held in Tokyo in 2027, and to explore the early formation of collaborative projects originating in Japan.

■ Special Lecture: “Beyond Earth’s Limits: Impacts of Planetary Health on Humanity and Actions We Can Take”

Dr. Kunii delivered a lecture on the impacts of environmental change on human health, drawing on his experience in global health and humanitarian work. The lecture highlighted the close links between environmental changes—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution—and health challenges and emphasized the importance of the “planetary health” perspective, which integrates environmental and human health. The lecture also introduced the concept of “planetary boundaries,” which defines the limits within which the Earth can function sustainably, and stressed the need to understand these issues as complex and interconnected challenges that include not only environmental concerns but also social inequalities and economic models.

Looking ahead, the importance of accumulating scientific evidence and translating it into policy was indicated. Directions toward a sustainable society were also presented, including a transition to a circular economy and shifts in societal values. The lecture concluded by underscoring the importance of considering concrete actions from each individual standpoint.

■ Panel Discussion: “Implementation and Emerging Practices of Planetary Health in Japan”

The panel discussion, which included alumni of the Planetary Health Academy, examined challenges and opportunities for the social implementation of planetary health in Japan from multiple perspectives. At the outset, each panelist introduced initiatives related to planetary health within their respective fields, highlighting expectations for future developments. The discussion emphasized that, to expand the concept of planetary health in society, it is important to make it personally relevant by linking it to individual expertise and areas of interest. It was also recognized that both institutional policy approaches and individual behavior change are essential for achieving societal transformation.

In addition, in light of the Planetary Health Alliance Annual Meeting 2027 (PHAM 2027) to be held in Tokyo, the need to expand platforms for co-creation involving diverse stakeholders—including the private sector, civil society, and educational institutions—was highlighted.

Through this event, the importance of linking the principles of planetary health with practices across diverse fields and advancing collaborative efforts was reaffirmed. After the event, a networking session was held for speakers and participants, which fostered deeper connections among practitioners and individuals interested in planetary health. These connections are expected to lead to concrete collaborations and new initiatives in the future.

Based on the insights and discussions generated at this event, HGPI will continue to promote the dissemination and implementation of planetary health through collaboration with diverse stakeholders, while also fostering opportunities for dialogue among them.

 

[Overview]

• Date & Time: Friday, February 27, 2026; 18:30-20:45 JST
• Venue: Global Business Hub Tokyo (3F, Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube, 1-9-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• Format: in person
• Language: Japanese only
• Participation fee: Paid (free for students of the Planetary Health Academy)
• Organized by: Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub (PHA-J)

 

[Program] (Titles omitted)

18:30 – 18:40 Opening Remarks

Keiko Nakamura (Professor Emeritus, Institute of Science Tokyo/Steering Committee Member, Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub)

18:40 – 19:20 Special Lecture “Beyond Earth’s Limits: Impacts of Planetary Health on Humanity and Actions We Can Take” 

Osamu Kunii (Global Health Innovative Technology Fund CEO/Executive Director)

19:20 – 20:00 Panel Discussion “Implementation and Emerging Practices of Planetary Health in Japan”

Moderator
Osamu Kunii (Global Health Innovative Technology Fund CEO/Executive Director)

Panelist
Kiyohiko Igarashi (Director, Research Institute for Planetary Health, The University of Tokyo/Professor, Department of Biomaterial Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo)
Keiko Nakamura (Professor Emerita, Institute of Science Tokyo /Steering Committee Member, Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub)
Masahiro Hashizume (Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo/School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University/Steering Committee Member, Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub)
Representative of Planetary Health Academy Alumni

20:00 – 20:45 Networking Reception

 

■ Planetary Health Academy (PLH Academy)

The Planetary Health Academy is an educational program held in 2025 by Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) and the Planetary Health Alliance Japan Hub (PHA-J). The program aimed to enhance understanding and social awareness of the interconnections between human health and the environment. The program consisted of six sessions, starting with the fundamental concepts of planetary health and providing a systematic overview of how human activities affect the Earth’s environment, as well as the pathways through which factors such as climate change and environmental exposures impact health. It also explored multi-layered solutions—including sustainable urban design, biodiversity conservation, and transformation of healthcare systems—through interdisciplinary discussion. Approximately 40 participants from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, public health, the private sector, academia, and civil society, took part in the program. Through interactive learning, participants developed knowledge and networks, and the program was implemented as a practical initiative aimed at building a foundation for advancing planetary health in Japan and globally.