Planetary Health Youth

Youth working together for planetary health

About Us

Youth-led. Planetary Health. Global impact.

We are a youth-led organization within the Planetary Health global community, created to expand global understanding of planetary health as a public health concept—the relationship between the health of human populations and the natural systems we depend on.

Our focus is simple: make planetary health more visible, practical, and youth-powered. We do this by delivering accessible education, organizing training and capacity-building opportunities, launching youth-led leadership projects.

Read full about us

What We Do

Five pillars driving planetary health forward

Learn & Share

Talks, campaigns, webinars, and accessible resources that make planetary health understandable.

Train & Build Capacity

Workshops, mentorship, and project incubators to strengthen youth leadership.

Lead & Act

Youth-led initiatives connecting planet health and human well-being.

Clubs & Systems

Planetary health clubs in high schools and universities worldwide.

Grow the Network

Youth ambassadors expanding PHA membership across new regions.

Explore all areas & impact goals

Clubs in Action

Real students. Real impact. Everywhere.

Fredericksburg, VA — High School Club

Youth for Planetary Health takes root in local schools

A student-led club is bringing planetary health to the forefront — organizing educational events, a "Sustainable Swap" Earth Day project, native plant installations, and social media campaigns with reels, infographics, and mini podcasts. Led entirely by students, it's exactly the kind of local action we exist to support.

See how we support clubs like this

Voices From Our Community

What our members say about being part of the movement

Being part of Youth for Planetary Health showed me that young people can truly influence global health policy. It gave me the confidence to speak at the UN.

Vildan Soguktas Founder & Lead Representative, USA

Starting a planetary health club at my school was the best decision I've made. The support from the global network made it possible — we went from 5 members to 40 in one semester.

Brianna Quinn Club Vice President, Virginia, USA

YFPH connected me with like-minded youth from 15 different countries. Together we're not just talking about change — we're making it happen in our local communities.

Community Member Youth Ambassador, Kenya

The training workshops helped me understand how climate change directly impacts mental health. Now I lead eco-anxiety support sessions at my university.

Community Member Training Participant, Indonesia

Our Vision

A generation of empowered youth safeguarding planetary health so people and ecosystems can thrive, everywhere.

Our Mission

To mobilize, educate, and empower young people worldwide to advance planetary health.

Read our full vision and mission

Healthy Planet, Healthy Minds and Brains: Science for Resilient Cities and Communities

We hosted a side event at the UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, exploring the interconnection between planetary crisis, brain health, and mental well-being — especially among young people.

Our expert speakers shared powerful, evidence-backed perspectives: heatwaves increasing suicide rates by 3% in young adults, climate's sweeping health consequences, urban stressors compounding mental health burdens, protecting children's mental health from environmental disruption, and the case for brain-positive urban systems.

"Mental and brain health must be integrated into urban planning, climate policy, and sustainable development frameworks."

Watch the full event video

Speakers

Dr. Joshua Wortzel
Dr. Maria Neira
Ms. Toni-Shae Freckleton
Ms. Leyla McCurdy
Dr. Rym Ayadi
Amb. Hamad Sayyar

May 5, 2026

UN STI Forum
New York