Planetary Health in Otolaryngology: A Call to Depollute Care

Planetary health is a framework that emphasizes the interdependence between human and environmental health. Principles of planetary health are increasingly relevant to Otolaryngologists, who both contribute to climate change and face its consequences for their patients' health. This commentary applies these principles to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, offering recommendations at 3 levels of change: the individual Otolaryngologist, the institution, and the broader system. These recommendations are grounded in 3 principles: reducing demand for care through health promotion and disease prevention, ensuring appropriateness of care by addressing overuse and underuse, and reducing healthcare pollution through adoption of circular economy principles. By embracing planetary health as a guiding principle, Otolaryngologists can reduce their footprint while advancing patient and community health.