Center for Planetary Health

Planetary health is an emerging field that recognizes a balance is needed among the global systems of land, air, water and life. It raises awareness about our looming crisis of rapidly growing populations juxtaposed against limited food and natural resources. Climate change adds more unpredictability and extreme events into the mix. Planetary health identifies solutions that will help populations, both human and animal, to foster resilience in the face of changing environments.

UC Davis faculty from UCGHI Planetary Health Center of Expertise join with global colleagues to raise awareness and commitment about climate and health issues by signing São Paulo Declaration

The University of California Global Health Institute’s (UCGHI) Planetary Health Center of Expertise was featured in a mosaic video to help promote the São Paulo Declaration for Planetary Health. This international call to action, to raise awareness and commitment to promote planetary health, spanned the globe with the voices and promises that were heard. In October 2021, the São Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health, an initiative conceived of and produced by the global planetary health community, was published in The Lancet. To date, over 300 organizations from more than 48 countries across all 19 stakeholders outlined in the Declaration have signed on in support.

Featured Programs

Summer Work Experience Program

Application deadline: March 31, 2023

This program offers students a unique hands-on opportunity to work on projects related to natural resources, agriculture, climate change, and environmental and health policy. Fellowships start in June 2023. Selected students are also expected to attend the 2023 Summer Work Experience Kick-off Orientation on Saturday, May 20, 2023 (subject to change). The orientation is designed to introduce students to effective strategies for science outreach and stakeholder engagement. This program is coordinated by the UCGHI Planetary Health Center of Expertise in partnership with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension (UC ANR) and California Department of Conservation (DOC).

To apply for a summer fellowship, please complete and email the application and supporting materials requested below to planetaryhealth@ucdavis.edu by March 31, 2023. Following submission of their applications, applicants will be asked to review and rank (based on preference) specific fellowship opportunities available through the DOC and UC ANR Cooperative Extension. Interviews will be conducted, and successful applicants will be matched to the fellowship opportunities based on interest and best fit.

Support Materials Requested:

  • Resume including education, employment, honors, and publications
  • Contact information for three references
  • Personal statement that describes your interests, career goals, which institution(s) (DOC and/or UC ANR Cooperative Extension) you would be interested in working with for your fellowship, and what you hope to gain from a summer fellowship (1 page maximum)

Please direct any questions about the fellowship program or application to planetaryhealth@ucdavis.edu.

For more details about specific host mentors and opportunities, visit the SWEP Application page here.