Toward the concept of creative planetary health: insights from creative nature-based community practices in the UK

Planetary health recognizes the interdependencies between the health of humans and the state of the environment. The triple planetary crisis of climate change, diversity loss, and pollution impacts unequally on human health depending on environmental and social determinants, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities. Creative nature-based and cultural community practices have the potential to address planetary and human health issues and tackle health inequalities.

Data triangulation examined convergence and divergence of findings from two qualitative studies of creative nature-based community programs aiming to enhance planetary and human health. Studies using interview and case study designs were conducted by different researchers from the same investigative team.

Thematic analysis identified 11 themes with 23 subthemes for interview data, and eight themes with 25 subthemes for case study data. High levels of convergence were observed between nine themes and 18 subthemes from interview data with six themes and 21 subthemes from case study data. Triangulation and amalgamation of similar themes and subthemes determined six new, more focused themes: Concern about climate change; Connecting with nature; Creativity; Mental health and wellbeing; Mutually supported collaboration; Providing an inclusive environment, and 13 subthemes.

Triangulation increased the study's validity and strengthened its overall credibility. Findings interpreted through a biopsychosocial framework aligned with community, environment, and wellbeing domains. Creativity was represented strongly in both analyses. Findings suggest that creative planetary health practices which promote connection with nature and other people positively impact individual and collective health and wellbeing, and develop care for the environment, thereby supporting the concept of creative planetary health.