Gastrointestinal symptoms associated with PPE use among nurses in COVID-19 wards: a cross-sectional study.

Currently, the climate crisis represents one of the most pressing global challenges, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and societies (). Beyond environmental degradation, a wide range of climate-related phenomena pose substantial risks to human health, including both direct (e.g., heat-related illness and injuries from extreme weather events) and indirect (e.g., on mental health such as chronic stress or anxiety) effects (). In response to these intertwined challenges, the concept of planetary health has emerged, emphasizing the complex interconnections between human health and the social, political, and economic systems, as well as the planet’s natural systems. It calls for transformative action to preserve the natural foundations of life for present and future generations (). Addressing the climate crisis, particularly through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, requires structural and policy-level interventions as well as meaningful changes in individual behavior (). In this context, environmental and sustainability-related literacy plays a crucial role as a key enabling factor. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, awareness, and sense of responsibility needed to understand environmental challenges and to adopt pro-environmental and ecological behaviors (). The planetary health approach thereby highlights the interconnectedness of health and earth’s natural systems, for example in health co-benefits, referring to positive health outcomes that arise from climate change mitigation strategies (, ). For example, adopting an active travel lifestyle, such as cycling or walking, can simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase physical activity, thereby improving health (). These synergies illustrate that environmentally sustainable behaviors and health-promoting behaviors are often closely aligned, suggesting that fostering environmental and sustainability-related literacy may not only support ecological outcomes but could also positively influence health behaviors ().