

Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module for the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP)



TRANSFORMATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP MODULE FOR THE NATIONAL PLANETARY HEALTH ACTION PLAN (NPHAP) © Academy of Sciences Malaysia
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Academy of Sciences Malaysia
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50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.akademisains.gov.my
Introduction
Chapter Brief
Comprehensive overview of how the Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module (TSLM) integrates within the broader National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP) framework. It highlights the alignment of the TSL Module with global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing its role in fostering leadership that drives sustainable practices across sectors.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to: Understand the concept of the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP) and apply its principles in practical settings.
Planetary Health Concept
““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.”
Planetary Health Alliance
In general, planetary health concept provides an understanding of the dynamic and systematic relationships between global environmental changes, their effects on natural systems, and how changes to natural systems affect human health and well-being at multiple scales. Planetary health emphasises interconnections between human health and environmental changes, enabling holistic thinking about overlapping challenges and integrated solutions. Planetary health, health of the people and the health of the economy are inseparable.
Successful implementation of efforts for Planetary Health requires effective institutions, incentives, and governance.
• Governance and institutions (political science)
• Markets & their failures (economics)
• Culture, attitudes and beliefs (sociology, anthropology, psychology)
“Planetary health refers to the health of human civilisation and the state of the natural systems on which it depends.”
Lancet-Rockefeller Foundation Commission

Concept of public health, global health, one health and planetary health.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
The Planetary Health aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The SDGs aim to address interconnected challenges facing humanity, including poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, climate change, and sustainable consumption. By addressing the underlying causes of environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices, Planetary Health contributes directly to the achievement of the SDGs.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encompass 17 global goals and was established in 2015 with the agreement of its 193 state members. The SDG movement calls for addressing the global pressing needs in multiple interconnected issues related to People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership by 2023. Each goal has its targets and indicators and based on the latter; SDG progress is measured. The average SDG Index Score reported global SDG progress of 0.5 points per year. This slow progress and the decline in SDG progress from 2020 to 2022 consequent to COVID 19 pandemic and multiple security crises means greater challenge in meeting the agenda 2030 deadline.

17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
So far, the National SDG Council of Malaysia has submitted SDG Voluntary National Reviews in 2017 and 2021 to the UN via High-level Political Forum. In 2022, the country’s SDG Scorecard point was 70.4 and Malaysia ranked 72 out of the 163 participating countries. The yearly survey by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) on ‘Governments’ Commitment and Efforts for the SDGs’ showed the country’s SDG nominal performance score of around 54. Malaysia has 146 available national indicators. Their data source and data collection status are either available, not available, partially available and proxy. The country’s indicators are provided at the Department of Statistic Malaysia (DOSM) SDG website and Global Change Data Lab’s SDG-Tracker website. The data collection meetings had been taking place since April 2015 under the supervision of DOSM and various ministries were involved as the enablers for these indicators.
Planetary health adopts an ecosystem approach and emphasises the interconnectedness and interdependence between natural environments, human systems, and animal systems. According to WHO, Planetary Health is central to the SDGs. Planetary health provides a broader and more integrated approach to understanding and addressing the complex interdependencies between human health and the health of the planet. This integrated approach supports the interconnected nature of the SDGs. If we mitigate climate action, it will accelerate progress in achieving many SDGs, therefore preserving the planet.

SDG Wedding Cake
The Interlink with the National Planetary Health Action Plan
The NPHAP is Malaysia’s journey towards restoring the health of the planet; ensuring quality of health and well-being of the Rakyat; and enhancing the prosperity of the nation through the creation of nature-based industries and jobs. The NPHAP is guided by four guiding principles as follows:
Humanity-Centric
For Humanity, By Humanity
The humanity-centric principle underscores the need to prioritise human needs, health, and social equity in all sustainability efforts. The Module builds upon this by emphasising leadership that fosters inclusivity, human-centered development, and the improvement of quality of life for all, particularly in marginalised communities. Leaders are encouraged to design and implement policies and solutions that create an equitable, sustainable future for people, while also considering the broader environmental impacts.
Nature-Based
Planet First, People Always Approach – the natural Khazanah is the source of global competitiveness and national development
The nature-based principle emphasises the importance of working with nature, rather than against it, to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. This principle, as describe in 8R-nature-centric Planetary Health philosophy governed by values, encourages the adoption of solutions that harness natural processes and ecosystems to build resilience, restore habitats, and mitigate climate impacts. In the TSL Module, leaders are trained to prioritise nature-based approaches, including the restoration of ecosystems, the promotion of biodiversity, and the use of sustainable agricultural practices that align with the planet’s natural systems.
STIE-Enabled
Science, technology and innovation that anchor planet-friendly national development agenda
The STIE-enabled principle focuses on harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) as essential tools for addressing the complex challenges of planetary health. The module encourages the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that can drive sustainability across sectors. By fostering an STI-enabled approach, the TSL Module empowers leaders to embrace scientific research, technological advancements, and innovation in their decision-making processes, helping them make informed, evidencebased actions that address both environmental and societal needs effectively.
Together, these four principles serve as the basis to ensure future leaders are equipped with the necessary tools, values, and mindset to promote sustainable development. By embracing these principles, this module aims to cultivate a generation of leaders who can navigate complex challenges while promoting a balanced, resilient, and equitable future for both people and the planet. 3 4
Values-Internalised
Universal Spiritual Values that underpin the fabric of a multicultural society – unity in diversity, as enshrined in the Rukun Negara
The values-internalised principle calls for the integration of sustainable values into the very fabric of leadership, policy-making, and societal behaviour. It promotes the idea that sustainability is not just a set of external actions but an internal transformation that requires individuals and organisations to adopt ethical principles and values that support long-term planetary health. This module encourage leaders to reflect on their own values, ensuring that decisions are made with respect to environmental justice, intergenerational equity, and respect for both human and non-human life. This internalisation of values helps foster a culture of sustainability that transcends mere compliance and becomes a guiding force for decision-makers and communities.
Chapter 1
Chapter Brief
• Understanding sustainability leader traits, styles, skills, knowledge, and attitudes. The unique combination of these elements in each individual contributed to their distinctiveness as a leader.
• This chapter creates time and space for participants to deeply reflect on their current life, identity, culture, religious tradition and their relationships with the community and environment, both locally and globally
• This chapter will coltivate critical systems thinking skills by using the Nexus approach (Water-Energy-Food Nexus). This skill is essential for planetary health leadership when addressing multi-sectoral issues, particularly in the face of pressing challenges like climate change, rapid urbanisation and population growth.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Understand current planetary health landscape
• Instil ethics and values based on various cultural/ religions/ beliefs
• Understand and apply systems thinking to create a more holistic sustainability solutions
Read / Watch
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html https://unfccc.int/news/islamic-declaration-on-climate-change
https://icrjournal.org/index.php/icr/article/view/307#:~:text=Abstract,overloaded%20planet%20is%20not%20viable https://www.almizan.earth/#:~:text=Al%2DMizan%20%2D%20A%20Covenant%20for,in%20moderation%20at%20all%20times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw_D44s39Zc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTajhGl27o0
Opening the Heart and Mind Video
Motivate: Open the Heart and Mind
Global Crisis
The environmental condition continues to deteriorate over the past 70 years; and by 2024, six out of nine planetary boundaries were breached. These planetary boundaries are scientifically defined thresholds introduced to guide humanity in living within Earth’s ecological limits which include critical systems such as climate change, biosphere integrity, land-system change, freshwater use, and biogeochemical flows.
Staying within these boundaries is essential to ensure the stability, resilience, and safe operating space of our planet. However, continued transgressions are accelerating environmental degradation to an alarming extent.
What is even more concerning is the potential irreversibility of some of these breaches. This trajectory threatens planetary health and has far-reaching implications: deteriorating public health, mass species extinction, escalating global temperatures, and widespread ecosystem collapse. Together, these factors are triggering a global crisis, with profound consequences for human welfare, healthcare systems, food security, and the long-term viability of life on Earth.

Planetary Health Boundaries
Azote for Stockholm Resilience Centre, based on analysis in Sakschewski and Caesar et al. 2025
Malaysia Crisis
Over the last 24 years, Malaysia cumulatively lost
These figures highlight the mounting cost of ignoring ecological thresholds. The implications of transgressing planetary boundaries are increasingly visible in Malaysia. Since the mid-1980s, Malaysia has pursued rapid economic growth, often prioritising industrialisation and infrastructure development. While this has yielded considerable economic gains, it has come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
This zero-sum development model has contributed to worsening environmental conditions, more frequent and severe natural disasters, rising public health burdens, and the overshooting of multiple biophysical limits. By 2011, Malaysia had already breached six of seven key biophysical boundaries, a trajectory projected to persist over the next 25 years which poses serious threats to national health, equity, and long-term resilience.
average lost
RM39.8billion (About 3% GDP loss in 2019 & 2020)
Compounding this crisis is the reality that we are now operating in “post-normal times”; an era marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and contradiction. Political, cultural, technological, and environmental systems are deeply interconnected and increasingly in tension. Diverging worldviews and competing priorities further complicate efforts to respond cohesively to this multidimensional challenge.
Malaysia’s experience underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards a transformative, inclusive development model that balances economic progress with environmental stewardship and social well-being. Only by aligning our national ambitions with the principles of planetary health can we ensure a sustainable, equitable future for all.
Development of the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP)
The formulation of the NPHAP involved extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. These included policymakers, industry leaders, community representatives, educational institutions, public and private research organisations, media, and others across diverse ecosystems in the country. This inclusive approach was designed to gather comprehensive information, diverse feedback, and valuable perspectives from all relevant parties.
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Interviews were strategically organised to explore the intricate relationships between STIE enablers and critical thematic issues. These discussions accounted for industry-specific dynamics and the complexities of interactions at both firm and individual levels.
The engagement process revealed ten common issues and challenges hampering planetary health efforts:
Fragmented governance and siloed approaches Gaps in mainstreaming planetary health education and talent development Low prioritisation of planetary health by businesses
Misinformation and misunderstanding of planetary health concepts Insufficient funding and incentives
Limited awareness and lack of ecosystem support for action
Weak tracking, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms Inadequate data availability
Inconsistent policy implementation and enforcement gaps
Lack of inclusivity in planning and action
A detailed firm/industry-level analysis was conducted through surveys to evaluate how firms of varying sizes and industries engage with the STIE ecosystem, particularly in relation to planetary health and sustainability. The survey highlighted significant gaps in awareness and action:
1. General Findings
Most respondents demonstrated limited knowledge of planetary health concepts, planet-friendly ethics, and the impact of their actions on environmental health
2. Sectoral Differences
Multinational companies (MNCs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) exhibited higher awareness of planetary health compared to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
3. Barriers for MSMEs
MSMEs were primarily focused on their immediate supply chains, citing cost constraints and unfamiliarity with PH principles as major hurdles in adopting sustainable practices
4. Geographical and Sectoral Variations
Awareness and commitment to planetary health varied significantly by state, firm size, and economic sector
5. Communication Gaps
Respondents reported that planetary health concepts are not effectively communicated through mass media, hindering deeper understanding and widespread adoption
Addressing these knowledge gaps within Malaysia’s business landscape is crucial for translating the country’s nature-positive aspirations into meaningful actions that also drive socioeconomic growth.
Model of Transformational Sustainability Leader
“A leader is someone who can craft a vision and inspire people to act collectively to make it (the vision) happen, responding to whatever changes and challenges that arise along the way.”
Some practical tenets of leadership also include:
Relational
A leader cannot be without followers. The relationship must be developed and monitored/reviewed.
Non-hierarchical
There are leaders at every level. Official power and title is not a guarantee of a leadership.
Contextual
A leader must optimise available resources and talent, and, where possible, expand them further.
Transformational sustainability leaders are “individuals who are compelled to make a difference by deepening awareness of themselves in relation to the world around them. In doing so, they adopt new ways of seeing, thinking, and interacting that result in innovative, sustainable solutions” (Wayne Visser, 2011). This leadership will focus on bringing about profound change in our socio-political systems, businesses and other stakeholders in society.
To understand the transformational sustainability leader, we need to appreciate their traits, attitude/styles, skills, and knowledge. Each individual’s particular combination of attributes defines their uniqueness. Each leader needs to draw upon what is suitable to their own situation (personality and circumstances) in order to drive change and meet challenges. Ideal leadership traits include honesty, forward-looking, competent, inspiring and intelligent. Leaders should continuously develop skills that are tailored to address the evolving priorities of their organisation.
Model of Transformational Sustainability Leadership
(adapted from Wayne Visser & Polly Courtice (2011)
T A S K
TRAITS
• Caring / Morally-driven
• Systemic / Holistic thinker
• Enquiring / Open-minded
• Self-aware / Empathetic
• Visionary / Courageous
• Inclusive
• Visionary
• Creative
• Altruistic
• Radical
ATTITUDE/ STYLES SKILLS
• Manage Complexity
• Communicate Vision
• Exercise Judgement
• Challenge and Innovate
• Think Long Term
KNOWLEDGE
• Global Challenges and Dilemmas
• Interdisciplinary Connectedness
• Change Dynamics and Options
• Organisational Influence
• Diverse Stakeholder Views
The Transformational Sustainability Leader
- Traits, Styles, Skills, Knowledge and Attitudes
TRAITS
Caring / Morally-driven
Cares for the well-being of humanity and all forms of life, guided by a moral compass
Systemic / Holistic thinker
Able to appreciate the interconnectedness and interdependency of systems, at all levels, and recognise how changes to parts of the system affect the whole
Enquiring / Open-minded
Actively seek new knowledge and diverse opinions, questioning received wisdom, including willingness to have one’s own opinions challenged
Self-aware / Empathetic
Demonstrates high emotional intelligence (understanding their own and others’ emotions), sincerity, humility, and reflexiveness (awareness of their role and impact in a situation)
Visionary / Courageous
Inspirational, creative, optimistic, and courageous; results-driven, with the ability to balance passion and idealism with ambition and pragmatism
ATTITUDE/STYLES
Inclusive
Collaborative and participative, buidling commitment through dialogue, consensus, coaching, peer support, and recognition
Visionary
Uses passion and charisma to challenge and transform perceptions, inspire change and motivate people beyond self-interest
Creative
Plays the role of designer, architect, innovator, gamechanger and transformer of the system
Altruistic
Transcends self-interest to prioritise the greater good often seen as servant leadership
Radical
Visible leadership that challenges the status quo, takes risks, acts as a revolutionary, campaigner, crusader or activist; often referred to as missionary leadership
SKILLS
Manage Complexity
Analyse and synthesise complex issues, manage risks and uncertainties, seize opportunities, and resolve conflicts
Communicate Vision
Shares a clear vision, fosters dialogue, inspires action, and builds shared meaning through active listening, emotional intelligence, and reflection, while creating conditions that promote learning from experience
Exercise Judgment
Makes timely, sound decisions by prioritising, navigating dilemmas, and making tough choices with confidence
Challenge and Innovate
Anticipate solutions and alternative futures, thinking outside the box and applying creativity in practice
Think Long Term
Envision big picture with strategic, long-term thinking and planning, while keeping the future in focus
KNOWLEDGE
Global Challenges and Dilemmas
Pressures on social and ecological systems, and their interconnections with political and economic forces
Interdisciplinary Connectedness
The interconnected relevance of science, technology, business, and other fields.
Change Dynamics and Options
Understanding complex systems and the levers for change—such as financial markets, policies, consumer behaviour, technologies, organisational dynamics, and change models
Organisational Influence
An organisation’s impact through its footprints, with opportunities for value creation and new market development
Diverse Stakeholder Views
Different worldviews and belief systems across communities, cultures, and politics—and how to integrate them
The conceptual framework of environmental education emerged from the United Nation’s first international conference in 1977 and has now been acknowledged as one component of education for sustainability. This has allowed environmental education to address the broad range of issues from interdisciplinary approaches – science, economics, culture and ethics. Looking at this potential and in view of the insufficiency of existing institutions promoting environmental education and planetary health, holistically in Malaysia, the TSL Module is developed to highlight the unwritten diverse ethical wisdom and analysis of governance structure with the view of enhancing knowledge, skills and attitude that are extremely essential. The module highlights how ethics and local cultural values can strengthen environmental education in Malaysia, showcasing initiatives that enhance public understanding of science through collaboration with stakeholders, including NGOs and religious institutions.
Leadership by example begins with the individual—a widely accepted notion. Yet, in the race of human endeavors, we often neglect to reflect on whether the life we live is truly worth wanting. Our lives matter: are they lived well and led well? Are our well-being and emotions healthy? Before looking outward to the broader ecological system and the state of our planet, it is essential to first examine our own lives.
This course creates time and space for participants to reflect deeply on their current life, identity, culture, religious tradition and their relations with the community and environment, local and global. In doing so, four common life phases are introduced for us to examine our life - reflexive mode: life on the surface, and reflective modes: effective, selfawareness, and self-transcendence. All four phases are relatable, and no mode is bad nor is it on its own.
Four Phases of Life
Self-transcendence
Life extends beyond personal fulfillment to embrace others, society, and the greater whole. It becomes less about reaching a personal destination and more about contributing to a shared journey.
In this course, we will build skills to explore the big life question: why and how should our life and world be?
Life is about valuing what matters, yet still centered on the self. Eventually, we ask if we are heading in the right direction and what is truly worth wanting with those around us and within our environment.
Life without any concern if our goals are the right ones and if we have ownership over them. Our daily lives are accustomed to thriving a more efficient process for better results.
Life without awareness or concern about why we do what we do. This auto-pilot life is dominated by reflexive actions and no reflection.
This inquiry, present across civilisations and traditions for millennia, reminds us we are not alone in seeking meaning.
As a learning community, we reflect on others’ perspectives of what makes life worth living, recognising that their answers may differ from ours. With humility, we value the question itself and learn from one another.
Education is a critical cornerstone for sustainability and planetary health, serving as a powerful tool to empower individuals and communities with knowledge, skills, and values necessary to foster a more sustainable, health-conscious world. UNESCO proposed a student-centered learning approach focused on transformational education that develops the cognitive, socio-emotive, and behavioural dimensions (Head, Heart, and Hands). Additionally, it should connect to the belief system (Spiritual), recognising that sustainability is not only an ethical and practical pursuit but also deeply rooted in values and spirituality.
Dimensions of Transformational Sustainability Leader
• Consider issues/ events from a systems perspective
• Understand fundamental ecological principles
• Think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply knowledge to new situations
• Assess the impacts and ethical effects of human technologies and actions
• Envision the long term consequences of decisions
BRAIN (COGNITIVE)
HEART (EMOTIONAL)
• Have compassion, understanding, and respect for other people and living things
• Recognise and value diverse viewpoints; colaborate with others who have varied goals, motives and backgrounds
• Commit to equity, justice, inclusion, and respect for everyone
• Create and use tools, objects and procedures required by sustainable communities
• Transform beliefs into useful and successful actions using ecological knowledge in the ecological design process
• Evaluate and modify how energy and resources are used
SPIRITUAL (CONNECTIONAL)
• Experience wonder and awe towards nature
• Respect the Earth and all living things
• Experience a deep sense of connection and location appreciation
• Feel a connection to nature and encourage others to experience the same
HAND (ACTION)
Humans have no dominion over Earth, Earth resources or other creations. Humans have a primary role to look after Earth for the benefit of all creations. Human activities that adversely impact Earth will impact all other earth systems and creations. This is where Anthropocene are being introduced. Risk of extinction of the human species. Vitality and biodiversity of the natural system must be respected and preserved. Sustainability on Earth and all sentient species are critical for the survival of humanity. Cultivate balance, harmony and restraint for the preservation of the state of natural equilibrium. This connection can provide a deeper sense of purpose and commitment, fostering a holistic approach to sustainability that integrates environmental, social, and spiritual well-being.
Belief and Values Related to Planetary Health
A virtuous, responsible and caring life
An ethos of responsibility and care
Working through the structures of the world rather than rising above them
Humanity as a partner with both Heaven and Earth
A sustainable harmonious relationship between human and nature
Just do what is right and proper and then all will be well.
Thriving for achieving SDGs and planetary health via this module is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and healthy future for all. Leaders must prioritise addressing food, water, and energy security, among others, recognising their interconnectedness with planetary health. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture practices, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing comprehensive water management strategies.
Systems and Nexus Thinking
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that emphasises the understanding of how various components of a system interrelate and function within larger contexts. This methodology contrasts with traditional analytical methods, which often break down systems into individual parts for examination. Instead, systems thinking focuses on the interconnections and interdependencies among elements, recognising that the behaviour of a system emerges from these relationships rather than from the isolated parts themselves.
Critical systems thinking skills by using the Nexus approach
A Nexus approach helps us to better understand the complex and dynamic interrelationships between water, energy and food, so that we can use and manage our limited resources sustainably. It forces us to think of the impacts a decision in one sector can have not only on that sector, but on others. Anticipating potential trade-offs and synergies, we can then design, appraise and prioritise response options that are viable across different sectors. Ideally, this involves a broad range of stakeholders from local to national governments, development banks and agencies, international and regional organisations, research institutes and universities, NGOs, civil society and the private sector. Furthermore, a Nexus approach can encourage intra-organisational collaboration among different technical divisions. The Nexus approach considers the different dimensions of water, energy and food equally and recognises the interdependencies of different resource uses to develop sustainably.
The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus has emerged as a valuable concept to capture the complex and interdependent nature of global resource systems, which are fundamental to achieving social, economic, and environmental goals. The Nexus highlights the interactions that shape how we use, manage, and sustain these interconnected resource systems.
Interdependencies (depending on each other)
Constraints (imposing conditions or trade-offs)
Synergies
(mutually reinforcing or having shared benefits)
In conclusion, the Nexus approach serves as a key enabler for achieving the SDGs, thereby safeguarding planetary health.
• It supports the identification of potential trade-offs, allowing them to be minimised or prevented through informed decision-making in policy processes.
• It leverages synergies by promoting solutions that simultaneously advance multiple SDGs, supported by policies and incentive structures designed to encourage such integrated outcomes.
The
Water-Energy-Food
Nexus
A Holistic Vision of Sustainability Showcasing Interactions and Management of Resource Systems
Social, Economic and Environmental Goals and Interests
Population Growth
Urbanisation
Diversifying and changing diets
Cultural and societal beliefs and behaviours
Climate change
Technology and inovation
Governance
Sectoral policies and vested interests
International and regional trade, markets and prices
Industrial development
Agricultural transformations
DRIVERS
Chapter 2
Chapter Brief
• Understanding the crucial relationship between human health and the health of the planet is essential for safeguarding human well-being and restoring Earth’s ecosystems.
• This chapter delves into the concept of planetary health, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of how both natural and human-made factors impact the environment and human health.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Understand the interconnectedness of nature systems and human health
• Self-check based on level of behavioural changes and consumption pattern
Exercise
Activity 2.1 : 6 stages of behavioural changes
Individual assignment | 5 minutes | no presentation
Activity 2.2 : Carbon footprint calculator
Individual assignment | 5 minutes | no presentation
Read / Watch
Videos on “Evaluate: Reality Check”
Video 2.1 : “The Planet is Tipping: An Introduction to Planetary Health” -Chapter 1
Video 2.2 : “Climate Change: The Driving Force Behind Planetary Health Deterioration”
Video 2.3 : “Biodiversity Loss: The Disappearing Web of Life”
Video 2.4 : “Air and Water Pollution: The Silent Killers of Human and Ecosystem Health”
Video 2.5 : “Your Carbon Footprint: Tracking Your Personal Impact
Evaluate: Reality Check
The health of our planet and the health of its inhabitants are inextricably linked. The concept of Planetary Health highlights the critical interdependence between human well-being and the well-being of the natural world. The planetary boundary threshold is located at the boundary between the green and yellow zones. Control variables are normalised relative to the zone of uncertainty. Thus, the centre of the figure does not represent zero. For climate change, the control variable displayed is atmospheric CO2 concentration.


Azote for Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University. Based on Sakschewski and Caesar et al. 2025, Richardson et al. 2023, Steffen et al. 2015, and Rockström et al. 2009
Current state of Planetary Health
The current state of Planetary Health is deeply concerning with multiple critical challenges threatening global health and sustainability:
1 Environmental Degradation
Human activities are driving unprecedented levels of environmental degradation, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and air pollution. These factors severely impact ecosystem health and the availability of clean air, water, and food.
2 Climate Change
Human activities, especially fossil fuel use, have driven up greenhouse gas emissions, causing climate change with impacts already visible through extreme weather, rising seas, and shifting patterns.
3 Resource Depletion
Rapidly growing populations and increasing consumption patterns have led to the overexploitation of natural resources, such as forests, minerals, and fisheries. This unsustainable resource use threatens the resilience of ecosystems and the availability of vital resources for future generations.
4 Pollution
Industrial activities, transportation, and agriculture generate various pollutants that contaminate the environment. Pollution levels in air, water, and soil pose significant health risks to humans and wildlife alike.
5 Inequality
The burden of environmental degradation and health impacts disproportionately falls on vulnerable populations, such as low-income communities, ethnic minorities, and Indigenous peoples. Social inequality exacerbates health disparities and undermines efforts to achieve Planetary Health.
The Planetary Health Imperative: Goals, Framework, and Challenges
The Planetary Health Imperative calls for urgent and coordinated action to confront the interconnected challenges affecting both human and environmental well-being. By integrating Planetary Health principles into policies, practices, and behaviours, we can build a sustainable future in which human health and the health of the planet reinforce each other.
Key Goals & Objectives
The Planetary Health Imperative encompasses a broad range of interlinked goals and objectives, including:
1 Protecting Ecosystems
Preserving and restoring ecosystems is essential for maintaining biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, and ensuring the resilience of natural systems.
2 Mitigating Climate Change
Taking urgent action to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for stabilising the Earth’s climate.
3 Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production
Shifting to sustainable consumption and production patterns reduces environmental impacts, promotes resource efficiency, and supports a circular economy.
4 Addressing Pollution
Reducing pollution levels in air, water, and soil is vital for protecting human health and ecosystems.
5 Promoting Health and Equity
Improving access to healthcare, nutrition, and education for all, particularly vulnerable populations, is fundamental to achieving Planetary Health.
Framework and Components
The Planetary Health Imperative is guided by a framework that outlines the key components necessary for achieving its goals and objectives. These components include:
Science and Knowledge
Strengthening scientific understanding of the interactions between human health and the environment is crucial for informing policy and decision-making.
Policy and Governance
Developing and implementing effective policies and governance mechanisms at local, national, and international levels is essential for addressing Planetary Health challenges.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society organisations, and Indigenous peoples is vital for implementing sustainable solutions.
Empowerment and Engagement
Empowering individuals and communities to make informed choices and promoting their active engagement in Planetary Health initiatives is crucial for achieving lasting change.
Despite the urgency of the Planetary Health Imperative, several challenges hinder its implementation.
Lack of Political Will
Current Challenges and Opportunities CHALLENGES
The lack of political will and commitment to addressing Planetary Health challenges remains a significant barrier. Short-term economic interests often override long-term environmental and health considerations.
Insufficient Resources
Insufficient financial and human resources are allocated to Planetary Health initiatives, particularly in low-income countries. This hampers efforts to implement effective interventions and policies.
Limited Public Awareness
Awareness about Planetary Health issues and their interconnectedness with human wellbeing is often low. This lack of understanding hinders support for policies and actions that promote Planetary Health.
Growing Awareness
Increasing public awareness about Planetary Health issues is gaining traction, leading to greater demand for action from governments and businesses.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements offer innovative solutions for addressing Planetary Health challenges, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and pollution control technologies.
Global Commitments
The adoption of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change represent global commitments to addressing sustainability challenges, including Planetary Health.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The recognition of the interconnectedness between human health and the environment fosters collaboration among different disciplines, such as medicine, ecology, economics, and social sciences.
Conflicting Interests
Conflicting interests between different stakeholders, such as industries benefiting from unsustainable practices, pose challenges to implementing Planetary Health solutions.
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities to advance the Planetary Health agenda.
6 Stages of Behavioural Changes
ACTION
Characteristics
• Direct action toward a goal
Strategies
• Reward your successes
• Seek out social support
MAINTENANCE
Characteristics
• Maintenance of the new behaviour
Strategies
• Develop coping strategies for temptation
• Remember to reward yourself
RELAPSE
Characteristics
• Dissapointment
• Frustration
• Feelings of failure
Strategies
• Identify triggers that lead to relapse
• Recognise barriers to success
• Reaffirm your goal and commitment to change
Activity 2.1 : 6 Stages of Behavioural Changes
Individual assignment | 5 minutes | No presentation

Carbon Footprint Calculator
PREPARATION
Characteristics
• Experimenting with small changes
• Collecting information about change
Strategies
• Write down your goals
• Prepare a plan of action
• Make a list of motivating statements
CONTEMPLATION
Characteristics
• Ambivalence
• Conflicted emotions
Strategies
• Weigh pro & cons of behaviour change
• Confirm readiness and ability to change
• Identify barriers to change
PRECONTEMPLATION
Characteristics
• Denial
• Ignorance of the problem
Strategies
• Rethink your behaviour
• Analyse yourself and your actions
• Assess risks of current behaviour
Activity 2.2 : Carbon Footprint Calculator
Individual assignment | 5 minutes | No presentation
Carbon emissions are the main indicator to express the impact of anthropogenic activities towards greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and climate change. More often than not, the consumption behaviour of a person is not quantified and therefore, individuals are not able to visualise or understand their contribution towards the deterioration of planetary health. Participants are required to visit https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx or any other online carbon footprint calculator to evaluate their carbon footprint by answering a series of questions. The facilitator will choose random participants to share their answers and prompt these participants on ways that they can reduce their carbon footprint. Through this activity, the participants are expected to be more aware of their consumption behaviour and strategise methods to reduce their carbon footprint individually, in their households, workspace, and beyond.
Chapter 3
Chapter Brief
• Explores the inherent challenges in implementing this model and proposed practical solutions to overcome them, emphasising the potential for collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.
• By fostering a spirit of cooperation and innovation, this chapter inspires participants to engage in collective action, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to create sustainable solutions for the world’s most pressing issues.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Understand the unique contributions of each stakeholder involved in policy development and implementation within the Quadruple Helix Model.
Exercise
Activity 3.1 : Identifying type of actors based on QHM Individual assignment | 5 minutes | No presentation
Activity 3.2 : Mission-Oriented Innovation Map Group assignment | 15 minutes | Presentation
Read / Watch
Video 3.1 : Principles of collaboration and their potential impact
Let’s Collaborate
In the face of urgent global grand challenges—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health crises— addressing these complex issues requires more than fragmented or isolated efforts. It demands a fundamental shift from siloed approaches to collaborative, cross-sectoral action.
Siloed Collaborative Cross-sectoral
While alarming headlines and daunting statistics often dominate the narrative, there is genuine hope in our collective capacity to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
This chapter introduces the Quadruple Helix Model (QHM)—a progressive and inclusive framework that brings together four key societal actors: government, academia, industry, and civil society. Each actor contributes distinct expertise, resources, and perspectives. By synergising their strengths, the QHM fosters the development of holistic solutions that are both scientifically robust and socially responsive.
Complementing this framework is the mission-oriented approach—a strategic methodology that mobilises and aligns efforts around clearly defined, ambitious and measurable goals. This approach channels innovation and collaboration across sectors to tackle real-world grand challenges, such as reducing carbon emissions, enhancing food security, or strengthening public health systems. When integrated with the QHM, mission-oriented approach becomes a powerful mechanism for delivering transformative impact at scale.
At its core, the QHM affirms that every voice matters—from scientists and policymakers to business leaders, grassroots activists, and engaged citizens. This chapter explores how inclusive collaboration through the QHM, combined with mission-oriented strategies, can catalyze meaningful and lasting change. By working together, we can co-design and implement effective solutions to safeguard planetary health for present and future generations.
Quadruple Helix Model
The Quadruple Helix Model (QHM) integrates four major societal actors (academia, government, industry, and civil society) into a collaborative framework designed to foster innovation, co-creation, and sustainable development. This approach emphasises inclusive engagement, recognising that effective solutions to complex challenges, such as those facing planetary health, requires the combined strengths of all stakeholders. It aims to create more democratic, responsive, and resilient systems through collective action.
Provide specific examples for each type of actor in relation to your field of expertise.
3.1 : Identifying Type of Actors Based on QHM Individual assignment | 5 minutes | No presentation
Activity
There are three core principles that underpin the Quadruple Helix Model: inclusivity, responsiveness to social needs, and democratic decision-making. Together, these principles enhance the innovation ecosystem by ensuring that diverseperspectives are considered, solutions are aligned with societal priorities, and all actors have a voice in shaping outcomes. When applied effectively, these principles can significantly boost a nation’s capacity for mission-oriented innovation, ultimately advancing the broader Planetary Health agenda.
Collaboration to Impact: The Quadruple Helix Model Approach
Address a broader set of societal challenges and benefits a larger portion of the population
Government Academia
Source of Policy, Regulation, and Stability
Inclusivity
Ensures a diverse range of perspectives, needs, and values are considered
Responsiveness to Social Needs
Source of Knowledge, Innovation, and Capacity Building
Democratic Decision-making
Aligns solutions with societal preferences and ethical considerations
Reflects democracy through public engaging in the innovation process
Industry Civil Society
Driver of Innovation and Economic Development Voice of the Public and Custodian of Local Wisdom
Promotes open Innovation and co-creation by involving citizens in problem-solving and decision-making processes
Allows more transparent decision-making and helps ensure that the benefits of innovation are distributed equitably
Roles and Responsibilities of Quadruple Helix Actors in Collaboration
Government
Governments are pivotal actors in safeguarding public and planetary health, not only by developing policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks that shape behaviour and incentivise sustainable practices, but also by funding health systems, environmental initiatives, and research that benefit society. Within the Quadruple Helix Model, governments play a crucial role as both regulators and catalysts, fostering collaboration among diverse actors and creating conditions that enable collective action. Through a mission-oriented approach, they drive long-term systemic change and advance the Planetary Health agenda.
1
Maintaining Law and Order
The government ensures a stable and secure environment through the justice system and law enforcement agencies. A society that operates within the rule of law can foster innovation by providing a predictable environment for all actors.
Providing Public Services
Essential services such as education, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and utilities are crucial for enabling all sectors of society to participate effectively in the innovation process. For example, accessible education and healthcare services support a healthy, well-informed population, capable of contributing to and benefiting from innovation.
Regulating the Economy
Through monetary and fiscal policies, as well as trade regulations, the government creates the economic conditions that can either stimulate or hinder innovation. For instance, favourable trade policies can encourage industry to engage in international collaborations, while sound fiscal policies ensure that public resources are effectively allocated.
These roles are operationalised through a set of policy instruments; tools and mechanisms that governments use to implement public policy and influence innovation outcomes:
Regulation
Setting rules and standards that guide the behaviour of other actors in the innovation system.
4
Protecting National Security
Innovation cannot thrive in an environment of instability. Governments play a critical role in safeguarding national security through defense, diplomacy, and internal security measures. This creates the peace and stability necessary for innovation to flourish.
5
Promoting Social Welfare
Governments are responsible for ensuring social safety nets, promoting equality, social justice, and inclusion. By addressing social inequalities, the government can ensure that the benefits of innovation are more equitably distributed, and that all sectors of society are able to contribute to the innovation process.
Taxation
Using tax incentives or penalties to encourage or discourage certain behaviours related to innovation.
Public Spending
Allocating public funds to support research, development, and the commercialisation of innovations.
Monetary Policy
Influencing economic conditions through control of the money supply and interest rates.
Agreements and Diplomacy
Engaging in international agreements and diplomatic efforts to foster global collaboration in innovation.
Academia
Academic and research institutions play a central role in advancing Planetary Health through research, education, and the development of science and technology. They not only generate knowledge and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, but also enable evidence-based decision-making, policy engagement, and critical thinking. As engines of innovation and capacity building, academia shapes the next generation of thought leaders and acts as a vital connector within the Quadruple Helix Model. In partnership with international organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), academic institutions contribute to addressing global planetary health challenges and driving the mission-oriented approach for long-term systemic change.
3 1
Generating Knowledge and Understanding
Addressing planetary health challenges requires the integration of multiple disciplines-such as environmental science, medicine, economics, and social science. Academic institutions are uniquely positioned to foster interdisciplinary research that uncovers the intricate connections between human and environmental health.
2
Technological and Scientific Innovation
Academia is often at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that can address planetary health challenges, such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture practices and pollution control technologies.
Policy and decision support
Academic research provides robust evidence and data to inform and guide policy decisions. Scholars play a key role in evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and advocating for new ones that mitigate environmental degradation and promote public health.
4
5
Education and capacity building
Universities and research centres train the next generation of planetary health leaders. By providing interdisciplinary education and practical skill development, academia empowers individuals to tackle complex and evolving global challenges.
Collaboration and ecosystem development
Addressing planetary health challenges requires the integration of multiple disciplines-such as environmental science, medicine, economics, and social science. Academic institutions are uniquely positioned to foster interdisciplinary research that uncovers the intricate connections between human and environmental health.
Industry
Industry and the private sector play a vital role in advancing the Planetary Health agenda by shaping production systems, influencing consumption patterns, and driving economic growth. While industrial activities have historically contributed to environmental degradation, businesses possess the resources, capacity, and strategic interest to champion sustainable practices. As engines of mission-oriented innovation, they translate ideas into scalable solutions, mobilise resources efficiently, and foster technological development, commercialisation, and innovation diffusion. By investing in green technologies, ethical supply chains, and climate-resilient infrastructure, industry not only reduces its environmental footprint but also contributes to systemic transformation through collaboration, risk-taking, and long-term sustainability.
1
Technology Development and Deployment
Industry plays a central role in developing, scaling, and deploying innovations for planetary health. It turns research and public initiatives into practical solutions by advancing and commercialising technologies for clean energy, pollution control, and waste management. Through strong R&D investment, industries drive progress that benefits both the environment and public health.
2
Commercialisation and Market Creation
A key challenge in missionoriented innovation is bridging the gap between research and market-ready products. Industries play a vital role in turning breakthroughs into viable solutions, creating new markets for technologies like renewable energy, sustainable materials, and low-carbon transport.
3
Collaboration and Ecosystem Building
Industries often collaborate with governments, academia, and civil society to drive mission-oriented innovations for planetary health. Public-private partnerships help align R&D with sustainability goals, as seen in joint efforts on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.
Risk-Taking and Resource Mobilisation
Industries are well-positioned to absorb the financial and technological risks of large-scale innovation in planetary health, which often demands major investment and infrastructure. Large corporations can fund high-risk projects—such as renewable energy, sustainable transport, and climate-adaptive technologies—and reallocate resources quickly to stay agile and aligned with planetary health goals.
Innovation Diffusion and Adoption
Industries are key players in diffusing innovations across global markets. Their extensive reach—through international operations, supply chains, and marketing channels—enables rapid dissemination of new technologies that address planetary health challenges.
Society
Civil society—including individuals, communities, organisations, and activists—plays a vital and often transformative role in advancing planetary health. By raising awareness, advocating for equity and sustainability, and actively participating in locally driven solutions, societal actors shape cultural norms and drive mission-oriented innovation. Indigenous peoples, in particular, contribute traditional ecological knowledge and holistic worldviews that enrich regenerative practices and long-term stewardship of the environment.
2
Public Demand and Consumer Behaviour
Society drives demand for sustainable and innovative solutions by making conscious choices about the products and services they use. Public awareness of environmental, health, and social issues can influence consumer behavior, leading to increased demand for greener technologies, energyefficient products, and ethically produced goods.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
Civil society, grassroots movements, and community groups drive mission-oriented innovation by raising awareness of global challenges, mobilising public support, and promoting policies and technologies for sustainability. They also hold industries and governments accountable to ethical and transparent practices.
3
Influencing Policy and Governance
Society influences policy and governance by advocating for mission-oriented policies that promote sustainability, equity, and long-term societal wellbeing. Public demand for policies that address climate change, public health, and social justice can pressure governments to implement regulations and provide incentives that support mission-driven innovation.
4
Collaboration and Co-Creation
Contributes to mission-oriented innovation through collaborative efforts involving citizens in cocreating solutions. Participatory approaches, such as citizen science and community-led initiatives, enable individuals to contribute their knowledge, ideas, and local expertise to solve global challenges.
5 Cultural Shifts and Norm Change
Society plays a vital role in driving cultural shifts that support sustainability and innovation. Changes in societal values, such as a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship, equity, and health, can shift public attitudes and influence behaviours. Over time, these cultural shifts create an environment where missionoriented innovations can thrive.
Quadruple Helix Model in Informed Policy Development
This model encourages evidence-informed, context-sensitive, and community-engaged decision-making processes.
Key practices:
1. Building Institutional Structures
Creating formal, transparent, and inclusive institutional frameworks is critical for ensuring that all stakeholders can participate meaningfully in the policy process. These structures must:
• Facilitate mutual trust and shared accountability.
• Provide clear roles and responsibilities for each actor.
• Enable the development of a common vision, shared priorities, and long-term commitments.
• Support open data-sharing, coordinated planning, and integrated communication platforms.
Such structures reduce fragmentation and allow multi-sectoral partnerships to navigate the complexities of policy co-creation more effectively.
2. Fostering Interaction
Regular, structured interaction between the four helix actors sustains collaboration momentum. This can include:
• Workshops, roundtable discussions, and policy labs that promote co-creation and ideation.
• Bi- and trilateral meetings to resolve conflicts and deepen mutual understanding.
• Cross-sectoral task forces or steering committees that ensure consistent feedback and dialogue.
These engagements create a culture of continuous exchange, learning, and responsiveness—essential for designing agile and inclusive policies.
When applied intentionally within informed policy development, the QHM transforms policymaking into a collaborative, dynamic, and socially responsive process. By leveraging the diverse strengths and insights of government, academia, industry, and civil society. Mission-oriented policies can be designed and implemented with greater legitimacy, innovation, and impact, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
3. Learning and Adaptation
In a fast-changing world, effective policy development must be iterative. The QHM encourages adaptive governance by:
• Incorporating monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess progress and impact.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer between scientific research and practical implementation.
• Promoting a learning culture where stakeholders reflect on what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve collaboratively.
This continuous loop of feedback and innovation ensures that policies remain relevant, resilient, and scalable.
4. Alignment with External Goals and Expectations
For QHM-driven policies to succeed at scale, they must align with national, regional, and international agendas. This includes:
• Integrating policy goals with the SDGs, climate action frameworks, and public health strategies.
• Securing financial and political support through aligned incentives and long-term investment.
• Ensuring public legitimacy and community buy-in, which can be achieved by aligning policies with the lived realities and aspirations of the population.
When policies are nested within broader strategic frameworks, they gain coherence, traction, and legitimacy.
Using the Mission-Oriented Approach to Implement the Quadruple Helix Model
The Mission-Oriented Approach (MOA) offers a powerful strategic framework for tackling important, ambitious, compelling national economic, societal and environmental challenges, known as grand challenges. These grand challenges require complex solutions to them such as urban poverty, climate change, and health equity. In order to achieve these grand challenges, concrete, measurable and ambitious targets are needed. These are called ‘missions’. This approach aligns closely with the QHM by fostering goal-driven innovation, multi-actor engagement, and transformative systems change towards addressing a shared mission. When combined, MOA and QHM provide a dynamic and inclusive pathway to develop and implement impactful, evidence-based public policies.
The following outlines how the Mission-Oriented Approach can operationalise the QHM in practice:
1. Identifying the Grand Challenge: Planetary Health
Planetary health recognises the vital interdependence between human health and the state of natural ecosystems. It encompasses systemic issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the spread of infectious diseases—all symptoms of deeper ecological imbalances. Framing planetary health as a grand societal challenge creates a unifying narrative that enables cross-sectoral collaboration and mobilises collective action, transcending traditional boundaries.
2. Defining a Clear, Ambitious, and Measurable Mission
Once the grand challenge is identified, a mission or missions are to be designed following the criteria below:
• Ambitious yet realistic, addressing a major facet of the grand challenge;
• Concrete and measurable, with defined goals and indicators;
• Inspiring and inclusive, rallying diverse actors and combining multiple disciplines around a shared objective.
Missions transform abstract challenges into tangible, action-oriented objectives that facilitate strategic alignment and coordination across sectors.
Example mission: “Achieve zero plastic leakage into major Malaysian river systems by 2035.”
3. Mobilising Cross-Sectoral Innovation Ecosystems
Identifying sectors can be done through QHM, where successful mission implementation depends on the active engagement of all four helices:
• Government: Provides leadership, policy support, and strategic investment.
• Academia: Contributes research, analysis, and evidence-based insights.
• Industry: Drives technological innovation, product development, and market solutions.
• Civil Society: Brings local knowledge, community engagement, and advocacy.
By mobilising these sectors, MOA builds innovation ecosystems that can break down silos, promote mutual learning, and scale systemic solutions through strategic collaboration.
4. Orchestrating Directionality and Flexibility
Government agencies or central mission leaders play a critical role in orchestrating directionality by:
• Setting clear missions and aligning resources and incentives.
• Convening stakeholders for knowledge exchange.
• Establishing enabling frameworks (e.g. regulation, infrastructure, funding).
At the same time, missions must allow for adaptive governance-accommodating experimentation, local customisation, and iterative feedback as real-world contexts evolve.
5. Launching Mission Projects to Achieve the Mission
Mission goals are advanced through concrete mission projects, which serve as:
• Innovation testbeds for prototyping and experimentation.
• Collaboration platforms for co-creation and stakeholder engagement.
• Mechanisms to localise global missions, making them actionable at community or regional levels.
Example projects include:
• A university-led initiative to design biodegradable alternatives to plastic.
• A multi-stakeholder public-private partnership for regional waste management reform.
• A grassroots campaign led by civil society to drive behavioural change on plastic use.
These projects bridge strategy and practice, turning visions into scalable, real-world solutions.
6. Measuring Progress and Ensuring Accountability
Missions must be underpinned by robust systems for performance tracking and accountability. This includes:
• Defined KPIs and metrics (e.g. volume of plastic waste reduced, policy implementation rate, public engagement indicators).
• Regular monitoring, evaluation, and learning cycles.
• Transparent reporting mechanisms and stakeholder feedback loops.
A strong accountability framework ensures continuous improvement, supports stakeholder trust, and drives mission success through data-informed decision-making.
7. Empowering Civil Society and Creating Public Value by Embedding Policy Innovation in Real-World
Contexts
Empowering citizens and communities are essential to both the design and execution of mission-oriented policies. This ensures that:
• Solutions are grounded in local realities and lived experiences;
• Policies are more inclusive, equitable, and socially accepted;
• Civic actors are recognised as co-creators-not passive recipients-of innovation.
By embedding the Quadruple Helix approach in realworld settings-such as schools, municipalities, and community networks-mission-led innovation becomes tangible, human-centred, and sustainable. Tools such as co-creation workshops, participatory budgeting, and public consultations can help bridge policy and practice.
Conclusion
The integration of the Mission-Oriented Approach with the Quadruple Helix Model offers a coordinated yet adaptive framework for addressing planetary health and other complex societal challenges. Through clear missions, cross-sectoral partnerships, and grounded implementation strategies, this approach enables shared learning, public engagement, and transformative policy innovation—turning collective ambition into measurable, lasting impact, with positive spillover effects across economic, environmental, and social domains
Develop a mission-oriented innovation map addressing a specific planetary health issue
Activity 3.2 : Mission-Oriented Innovation Map Group assignment | 15 minutes | Presentation
Chapter 4
Chapter Brief
• Understanding the critical role of nature based and STIE solution in tackling the planetary health challenges.
• This chapter encourages participants to harness the power of knowledge to find solutions, focusing on practical strategies for integrating knowledge into planetary health leadership
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Recognise environmental challenges in daily-life
• Incorporate nature-based and STIE-enabled solutions for planetary-related issues.
Exercise
Activity 4.1 : Identifying Workplace Issues Group assignment | 15 minutes | No presentation
Activity 4.2 : STEM Awareness in Daily Life Group assignment | 10 minutes | Presentation
Read / Watch
Video 4.1 : Recognise the role of STEM in Planetary Health Activities
Nature-based and STIE-enabled Solution
Emerging STI are poised to transform the current production-based economy into a knowledge-intensive one. These advancements are redefining the socio-economic landscape and challenging conventional operational boundaries. They offer immense opportunities for value creation, driving productivity, efficiency, and societal well-being. However, as mega-trends such as rapid urbanisation, demographic shifts, and technological breakthroughs create far-reaching impacts, the world faces unprecedented environmental and socio-economic risks. By embedding nature-based solutions, which involve leveraging ecosystems, innovations can achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. Similarly, STIE-enabled solutions, which leverage Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge, are pivotal in reducing environmental footprints, promoting green industries, and enhancing societal well-being through sustainable technologies and economic progress.
The nature-based elements, as described in 8R-nature-centric Planetary Health philosophy governed by values, encourages the adoption of solutions that harness natural processes and ecosystems to build resilience, restore habitats, and mitigate climate impacts.
REVITALISE
Revitalisation of the value of the resources in nature by continuously investing in them, preserving and harnessing their full and value for current and future generations.
REPURPOSE
Repurposing ecosystem resources for multiple uses to generate multiplier effects, achieve economies of scale and scope, and increase returns for all stakeholders.
RESTORE
Restoring ecosystem resource value through effective use and continuous STI investment to create new value, enhance asset quality, and improve quality of life for all stakeholders.
RECYCLE
8R-nature-centric Planetary Health philosophy
RESPECT
Respect for human rights, animal rights, biodiversity and health of planet.
RETHINK
Rethink the use of ecosystem resources with strategies put in place to obtain the best ROV from these resources to benefit society and its future generations.
REDUCE
Reduction of human activities and unchecked consumption that harm resources, human life, society, and the environment.
REUSE
Recycling waste to optimise resource use, create new value, and preserve resources for future generations—promoting circular economy and sustainable development models.
Reuse ecosystem resources effectively in multiple ways to reduce wastage and enhance responsible consumption (reduce unfettered demand for resources).
Role of STEM Awareness in Sustainability or Planetary Health Related Issues
STEM disciplines, such as environmental science, biology, and ecology, are essential to deepening our understanding of the complex and interdependent relationships between human activity, ecosystem dynamics, and the overall health of the planet. These fields provide critical insights into the causes and consequences of environmental degradation and offer the scientific basis for addressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and public health risks.
By integrating STEM knowledge and approaches into planetary health frameworks, we can significantly strengthen our capacity to address global sustainability challenges. STEM provides access to a wide range of tools, methodologies, and innovations that are vital for protecting, managing, and restoring natural resources. These include technologies for environmental monitoring, models for forecasting ecological impacts, and strategies for implementing sustainable solutions across sectors.
STEM education plays a pivotal role in preparing individuals to meet these challenges. It fosters essential analytical and problem-solving skills, encourages technological creativity, and promotes evidence-based decision-making. These skills are especially valuable in real-world settings, where professionals are required to navigate complex environmental problems and develop practical, context-specific solutions. The workplace becomes a space where STEM knowledge is applied to address sustainability concerns through innovation, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
In particular, the application of scientific inquiry allows for a rigorous examination of environmental issues, while technological literacy ensures individuals can engage meaningfully with tools and platforms designed to support sustainable practices. Mathematical thinking enhances the ability to interpret data and make informed projections, and engineering design, along with systems thinking and design thinking, encourages the development of integrated and resilient solutions tailored to local and global needs.
The figure below illustrates how these competencies interconnect and support sustainability goals with explanation of how each skill is applied in practice. Together, these elements underscore the critical importance of STEM awareness in advancing planetary health and achieving a more sustainable future.
Integration of STEM Skills to Solve Planetary Health-related Problem
Make predictions, observations, and inferences; develop, carry out and critique investigations; gather evidence; propose explanations and conclusion based on evidence; and communicate findings to others
Individual’s acquisition of professional and STEM skills through both physical and social elements of a learning.
Food security, water scarcity and sustainable energy Problem of priority at the workplace
A series of processes to find a solution to a problem
Apply mathematical in personal, occupational, societal and scientific context by reasoning, creating representations, or using measuring instruments or calculating tools
The ability to use, manage, understand and assess technology
Strategies for Leveraging STEM in Project Innovation to Solve Planetary Health Issues
STEM fields have tremendous potential for driving innovation and solving complex problems related to planetary health. By applying STEM-related skills, we are able to identify the root causes of problems, develop effective strategies, and implement sustainable solutions. This approach is helpful in tackling environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion for a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
The STEM Approach
1. Identify and prioritise workplace problems or issues
2. Analyse the problems or issues in relation to food security, water scarcity and sustainable energy
3. Innovate solutions based on STEM approaches
Water conservation: Optimising water usage, building rain gardens and implementing green infrastructure enhance natural water filtration and storage.
Rainwater harvesting projects: Reusing greywater for non-potable purposes and involving the local communities to foster collective responsibility.
Energy efficiency technologies: Advances in energy-efficient appliances, smart grids, and building systems reduce energy consumption while minimising extraction of raw materials
Circular energy practices: Incorporating waste-to-energy systems and recycling materials from decommissioned infrastructure like solar panels and wind turbines conserves resources and reduces landfill waste.
Reduce food waste: Planning meals, proper food storage, and understanding expiration dates help reduce food waste, while composting organic scraps returns valuable nutrients to the soil. Practice sustainable gardening/ farming: Cultivating vegetables and fruits through composting, rainwater harvesting, and natural pest control promotes self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.
Integrated water resource management: By integrating data-driven tools, it able to facilitates real-time monitoring of water systems ensuring efficiency in water usage.
Upgrade water infrastructure: By developing infrastructure that withstands climate impacts.
Provide high quality & healthy productive spaces: Utilising elements such as natural light and responsive heating/cooling measures.
Change to renewable energy sources: Transitioning the sources from local-grid power generator to solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power.
Common nature-based and STIE-enabled solutions applied in the WEF Nexus
MATHEMATICS
Calculate the energy and water usage before and after the implementation
Example of STEM Skills Approach to Solving Problems
SSCIENCE
Understand the problem on energy and water usage at the workplace
PROBLEM SOLVING
Reduce the emount of energy and water usage at your workplace (Planetary Health element: Natural resource)
TECHNOLOGY
Choose the best technology to solve the problem; i.e. sensors
ENGINEERING
Design automated / semi-automated implementation plan
STEM awareness is essential in maintaining the health of our planet by supporting the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity. One of the most effective ways STEM can make a positive impact is through environmental monitoring and assessment, achieved by designing systems and processes that are more energy-efficient, less resource-intensive, and environmentally sustainable. Sensors that monitor environmental parameters such as air and water quality, deforestation, and climate change can be developed to aid this effort. Furthermore, technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) can be employed for smart resource management and waste reduction. The data collected from these monitoring efforts can then be analysed using advanced data analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns in environmental changes, enabling more informed decision-making to protect our planet.
Identify workplace problems/issues and relate them to any of the planetary health elements.
Activity 4.1 : Identifying Workplace Issues Group assignment | 15 minutes | No presentation
A recent case study conducted in Sri Lanka has shed light on the introduction of two new mandatory courses: Planetary Health Education and STEM Activities (Imran, 2020). The STEM activities aim to connect classroom learning with the environment, encouraging innovative thinking and teamwork, while Planetary Health Education aims to raise awareness on crucial issues such as COVID-19 awareness and mental health education, which are often overlooked. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the betterment of the education system in the country.
Healthy Living (Johnson et al., 2020) provides an innovative approach to guide participants towards authentic problemsolving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. This interdisciplinary module utilise project- and problembased learning.
A holistic approach to understanding and solving planetary health issues requires the integration of STEM understanding/ awareness. By combining knowledge and expertise from multiple fields, we can better tackle the complex challenges facing our planet and work towards a sustainable future.
This module will implement the 21st century learner characteristics such as:
CRITICAL THINKING
Participants engage in thoughtful analysis of planetary health related issues
GLOBAL CITIZENS
Participants will gain awareness of global issues and diverse cultures, and learn how local solutions can be adapted to address these global challenges
COLLABORATE AND COMMUNICATE
Participants demonstrate their teamwork skills both offline and online in sharing ideas and developing group dynamics
What technologies do you use daily and how do they work?
Do you know what materials and chemicals are inside a battery?
How do you dispose of used cooking oil responsibly?
Chapter 5
Chapter Brief
• Leadership programme, designed to equip participants with hands-on experience and real-world skills essential for leading initiatives that promote planetary health.
• It serves as a cornerstone in developing transformational sustainability leaders who are not only well-versed in theory but also capable of driving positive change through practical, impactful actions in the pursuit of planetary health within both local and global context.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Approach real-world scenarios using planetary-health mindset
• Practice a sustainable life-style
Exercise
Activity 5.1 : Hands-on Organic Composting of Food and Garden Waste Individual assignment | Up to 60 minutes | No presentation
Read / Watch
Brochure on Waste Management: Home Composting 101 via Takakura Composting Planetary Health Videos and Factsheets
Knowledge to Action
This module guides participants through the transformative journey of sustainability leadership — turning knowledge into action. Combining theory with hands-on experience, it offers an immersive approach to learning through activities such as DIY home composting, water quality monitoring, and biodiversity exploration in local environments. These practical engagements provide real-world context, deepening participants’ understanding of sustainability and planetary health challenges. The module also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering participants to apply insights from earlier modules to real-world situations.
Importance of Fieldwork
Focusing on the Traits, Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge (TASK) of Transformational Sustainability Leadership (TSL) underscores the importance of integrating fieldwork and practical applications into the programme. This approach is essential for several compelling reasons:
1. Real-world Context: Provide exposure to real-world challenges and contexts in sustainability. This practical experience helps them understand the complexities and nuances of implementing sustainable practices in various settings.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage working with professionals from diverse backgrounds, promoting interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. This mirrors the reality of sustainability leadership, where collaboration is essential.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Provides an opportunity to practice effective communication and negotiation skills with different stakeholders, preparing them for leadership roles.
4. Ethical Decision-Making: Confront ethical dilemmas (in balancing environmental, social and economic considerations) and develop a sense of responsibility and accountability in their decision-making processes.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: Teaches us to be adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainties, an important trait for effective sustainability leaders.
6. Systems Thinking: Help in developing a systems thinking approach, understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within a sustainable system. This holistic perspective is essential for devising comprehensive and lasting solutions to sustainability challenges.
7. Leadership Development: Cultivate leadership qualities such as initiative, vision, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. It provides opportunities for participants to take on leadership roles and learn from both successes and challenges.
8. Measurement and Evaluation: Provide chance to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives in real-time. This experience is invaluable for participants to understand how to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven decisions.
9. Global Awareness: Expose participants to global sustainability issues and diverse cultural perspectives. This global awareness is crucial for future leaders who may need to navigate international collaborations and address global sustainability challenges.
In short, incorporating fieldwork and practical application into TSL enhances the educational experience by bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. It demonstrates how the TASK of Transformational Sustainability Leadership is applied and needed to be effective leaders in the complex and dynamic field of sustainability.
Fieldwork Activities
Fieldwork and practical applications provide participants with valuable exposure to real-world environments through hands-on data collection and analysis. These experiences are grounded in observation and active participation. Participants are encouraged to observe their surroundings attentively and engage with local communities and contexts. With an emphasis on naturalistic observation, fieldwork takes an exploratory approach, supported by detailed field notes that capture real-time experiences in authentic settings.
Tips for Effective Field Data Collection
To ensure meaningful and accurate observations, participants should:
• Stay reflexive, attentive, and responsive to instructions, briefings, and contextual explanations.
• Choose effective methods for recording observations-such as note-taking, photographs, or video recordings.
• Reflect critically on what is being observed, verifying assumptions and considering multiple perspectives.
Fieldwork data analysis
The analysis of field notes begins from the moment participants enter the field and continues throughout their engagement. This process involves documenting detailed, descriptive notes while reflecting on the significance of observed interactions and experiences. By adopting an exploratory and reflexive approach, participants begin to interpret patterns and derive meaning from their observations.
Learning Outcomes from Immersive Fieldwork
Immersive fieldwork connects global sustainability concepts with local ecosystems and initiatives, including those within Malaysia. Through this experience, participants will:
• Acquire practical, on-the-ground knowledge;
• Develop a heightened sense of environmental and social responsibility;
• Strengthen their personal connection to planetary health;
• Be empowered to become future leaders committed to sustainability and the stewardship of our planet.
This activity introduces an eco-friendly solution for managing food and garden waste. Participants learn to prepare home-scale compost, gaining practical knowledge on handling organic waste. The compost produced improves soil health, reduces environmental impact, and supports sustainability by promoting a circular economy approach.
Activity 5.1 : Hands-on Organic Composting of Food and Garden Waste Group assignment | Up to 60 minutes | No presentation
Chapter 6
Chapter Brief
• This chapter provides participants with the opportunity to reflect on their journey through the Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module (TSLM). It emphasises the importance of aligning personal and professional values with sustainability goals and encourages participants to commit to actionable changes that contribute to planetary health.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, participants will be able to:
• Appreciate Transformational Sustainability Leadership
• Transform the self and belief into action
Exercise
Activity 6.1 : Sharing and Reflection Individual assignment | 8 minutes | Presentation
Activity 6.2 : Crafting the Pledge Individual assignment | No presentation
Read / Watch
1. Pledge Examples: A repository of sample pledges from previous participants or leaders in sustainability.
2. Inspirational Media: Short videos or stories showcasing successful sustainability initiatives.
Reflection and Pledge
This chapter marks the culmination of the TSL Module providing participants with the opportunity to reflect on their learning journey, consolidate their insights, and formalise a personal or professional pledge towards advancing planetary health. By fostering self-awareness, aligning values with actions, and building accountability, participants are empowered to translate their knowledge into impactful leadership and meaningful contributions to sustainability.
Self-reflection on key learning through-out the module
1. What made you change/ What touched you
2. Purpose for behavioural changes
3. What role can you play as a Transformational Sustainability Leader?
The Pledge Process - A Framework for Individual and Collective Commitment to Planetary Health
The Pledge Process is an interactive and transformative approach designed to promote individual accountability and collective action toward achieving planetary health and sustainability goals. It empowers participants to move beyond abstract aspirations by committing to specific, actionable behaviours aligned with broader environmental and social objectives. By integrating structured goal-setting tools, peer engagement, and creative expression, the process strengthens motivation, ownership, and long-term impact.
Crafting SMART Pledges
Each pledge addresses one or more planetary health objectives (e.g., reducing carbon footprint, promoting biodiversity, or advancing sustainable consumption).
Participants begin by formulating personal pledges that are:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
Collective Reflection & Feedback
Pledges are shared within the group, allowing participants to:
• Receive constructive feedback.
• Refine their goals.
• Gain inspiration from diverse perspectives.
• Strengthen their sense of community and accountability.
Visualising Commitment
Participants create vision boards to visually represent their sustainability goals and pledges. Boards typically include:
• Personal and professional sustainability aspirations.
• Motivational images and quotes.
• Step-by-step action plans and timelines. This creative activity not only deepens emotional investment but also makes goals more tangible and accessible.
The completed vision board becomes a visual anchor-a tool for reflection, motivation, and progress tracking. It serves as a daily reminder of each individual’s commitment to planetary health and a symbol of shared responsibility.
Call to Action: Inspiring Sustainable Leadership
The escalating planetary health crisis; marked by climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and widening health disparities; demands bold, visionary, and transformative leadership. Now more than ever, leaders across sectors and levels must rise to the challenge of steering communities, organisations, and nations toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Sustainable leadership is not confined to political or institutional power, it includes educators, youth, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, and everyday citizens who choose to lead by example. This form of leadership is rooted in values of intergenerational justice, systems thinking, and resilience.
Key Dimensions of Sustainable Leadership
• Visionary Thinking
Embrace long-term perspectives that go beyond short-term gains, balancing economic, social, and environmental goals.
• Collaborative Action
Foster partnerships across disciplines, sectors, and borders to address complex challenges collectively.
• Equity and Inclusion
Ensure that sustainability initiatives are inclusive, just, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities.
• Transparency and Accountability
Uphold ethical governance and measurable progress through open dialogue, data, and public engagement.
• Empowerment and Education
Equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools to act as agents of change.
A Call to Lead
We call upon:
• Policy-makers to enact and enforce forward-looking environmental and health policies.
• Educators and researchers to integrate planetary health into curricula and research agendas.
• Private sector leaders to adopt sustainable business practices and invest in green innovation.
• Community leaders to advocate for inclusive participation and local empowerment.
• Youth to become active changemakers in building a sustainable future.
The journey toward planetary health is a collective one. Let us move beyond awareness to intentional leadership, beyond pledges to tangible action, and beyond individual efforts to systemic change. The time to lead is now—for people, for the planet, and for generations to come.
References
Planetary Health Alliance (2025) Planetary Health. Available at: https://www.planetaryhealthalliance.org/planetary-health (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
Volf, M., Croasmun, M. and McAnnally-Linz, R. (2023) Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most. London: Penguin. Cutts, S. (2016) In the Fall. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-rEb0KuopI (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
United Nations Statistics Division (2023) SDG Indicators: Global Indicator Framework after 2023 refinement. Available at: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/Global%20Indicator%20Framework%20after%202023%20refinement_Eng.pdf (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), List of Indicators Adopted in Malaysia. Available at: http://mysdg.dosm.gov.my/ status (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
United Nations (2015) Transitioning from MDGs to SDGs. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_hLuEui6ww (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
United Nations (2021) Red Alert – How to Meet the Sustainable Development Goals Together. Available at: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=wXASRXbjR08 (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) (2023) Sustainable Development Report 2023. Available at: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_cZHtUpCko (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
United Nations (2023) The SDG Report 2023. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF361a019zA (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (2021) Don’t Choose Extinction. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3DOcQRl9ASc (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
UNESCO (2020) Education for Sustainable Development: A Roadmap. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000374802.locale=en (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
Visser, W. and Courtice, P. (2011) Sustainability Leadership: Linking Theory and Practice. Available at: https://ssrn.com/ abstract=1947221 (Accessed: 10 November 2025).
Al-Delaimy, W., Ramanathan, V. and Sánchez Sorondo, M. (2020) Health of People, Health of Planet and Our Responsibility: Climate Change, Air Pollution and Health. Cham: Springer.
Cole, J. (2019) Planetary Health: Human Health in an Era of Global Environmental Change. Abingdon: Routledge. Markle, W.H., Fisher, M.A. and Smego, R.A. (2013) Understanding Global Health. 2nd edn. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Acknowledgement
Chair, National Planetary Health Action Plan
Advisor, Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module
Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc
Research & Education Working Group
Professor ChM Dr Noorsaadah Abd Rahman FASc (Chairperson)
Dr Doria Abdullah (Writer)
Professor Emeritus Dr Nik Meriam Nik Sulaiman FASc
Professor Ir Dr Denny Ng Kok Sum
Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Hair Bejo FASc
Mr Jaffri Ibrahim
Dato’ Adnan Pawanteh
Professor Datuk Dr Azizan Baharuddin FASc
Ms Finaswani Mohamed Zin
Professor Ir Dr Shaliza Ibrahim FASc
Associate Professor Dr Noor Zalina Mahmood
Professor Ts Dr Shahrina Md Nordin FASc
Professor Dr Poline Bala FASc
Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module Contributors
Professor Datuk Dr Azizan Baharuddin FASc
Associate Professor Ir Dr Mas Sahidayana Mohktar
Associate Professor Dr Zeeda Fatimah Mohamad
Associate Professor Dr Ng Boon Kwee
Dr Durriyyah Sharifah Haji Hasan Adli
Dr Fong Chng Saun
Dr Asmawati Muhammad
Dr Azizi Abu Bakar
Dr Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen Shaikh Mohd Salleh
Mr Affan Nasaruddin
Mr Ahmad Mohamad
Mr Chang Lee Wei
Mr Mohd Fadhli Bin Rahmat Fakri
Mr Mohd Noor
Ms Noraini Abu Bakar
Ms Norshahzila Idris
Ms Nur Lisa Mohd Yusoff
ASM Management
Hazami Habib, Chief Executive Officer
Nitia Samuel, Chief Strategy Officer
ASM Team of Analysts
Dr Hor Jia Wei
Teng Yu He
Ts Jagdish Kaur Chahil
Norsyazlin Abd Rashid
Mohamad Hasril Abd Hamid
Matthew Raj Alias
Muhamad Fahmi Isa
Syamimi Md Jamal
ASM Creative & Production Team
Dharshene Rajayah, Chief International Affairs & Communication
Mohd Najmie Mohd Yusoff
Naina Afifi Rosly
Ilham Raudhah Syazwani Mohd Razman
Key Features and Access
The urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship has prompted the development of the TSL module as part of the NPHAP. This module seeks to equip leaders with the principles and practices necessary to inspire meaningful change and drive planetary health initiatives in both professional and community settings.
Key features of the module:
Visionary Thinking and Systems Change:
Tools for fostering long-term, impactful change within organisations and ecosystems.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Strategies for inclusive collaboration that integrate diverse perspectives to address complex challenges.
Practical Innovation:
Guidance on embedding sustainability into business operations and driving behavioural change.
Real-World Case Studies:
Insights into successful sustainability initiatives and the leadership qualities that facilitated their success.
The module emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary approaches to uncover creative solutions to sustainability challenges. By offering expert guidance and actionable tools, the module aims to empower leaders at all levels to embrace their roles as change agents and contribute to a sustainable future.
Unlock the full Transformational Sustainability Leadership Module (TSLM) for the National Planetary Health Action Plan — scan for complete content and activities.
