Open call Spotlight

Spotlight on Planetary Health Education

How can education be used to promote planetary health, biodiversity and sustainable development? In this Spotlight, HundrED and Villars Institute are looking for innovative education solutions to support the health of our planet.

Submissions close on February 24, 2026.

In partnership with Villars Institute

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The challenge

Education is one of the most powerful levers for planetary change. Yet, many schools remain stuck at the level of awareness, without the tools or confidence to act. To preserve the health of our planet, we need actionable, systems-level solutions to maintain a stable and resilient Earth system. The severity of the current situation has led to widespread eco-anxiety. Action is the antidote for doom and gloom - this Spotlight tackles eco-anxiety by showcasing practical solutions that work.

The solution

This Spotlight will identify 10 impactful educational solutions demonstrating concrete results for planetary health to awaken eco-ambition among students, teachers, leaders and education funders. The goal is to support schools in turning awareness into action. This Spotlight marks the starting point for a new global community of purpose, connecting key actors across education and sustainability to equip future generations with the knowledge, skills, and agency needed to drive planetary health.

Planetary Health and Systems Change

In this Spotlight, HundrED, on behalf of Villars Institute, is looking for innovative education solutions that go above and beyond the standard approaches of environmental awareness to create opportunities for targeted action and systemic change.

Planetary Health is a term used to discuss the limits faced by humans in relationship to the earth. Dr. Colin David Butler, a leading scientist specialising in sustainability, globalisation, and health, recently wrote about the inextricable link between human and planetary health, and stewardship of the interdependent systems that make the earth liveable. In the 21st century, scientists have doubled down on emphasising the negative impact humans have on their own health as individuals and a species. From physical injuries and infectious diseases to displacement and conflict, - according to the Planetary Health Alliance, these can all be linked to human behaviours that have degraded the planet’s natural systems.

Planetary Boundaries is a framework developed by a team of scientists, under the guidance of Johan Rockström, to understand the interconnectedness of planetary systems on Earth and work to maintain stability and resilience. Each of the nine systems has its own boundary that should not be crossed in order to preserve overall planetary health. As of 2025, scientists have determined that seven of these nine boundaries have been crossed, and of the seven, four are in the “high-risk zone,” according to Planetary Boundaries Science assessments.

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The Planetary Boundaries Science Lab at PIK finds that seven of nine critical Earth system boundaries have been breached, leaving only ozone depletion and aerosol loading within safe limits. (PIK, 2025)

Systems change refers to how we understand the function and evolution of a complex set of interacting and interconnected elements. Engaging with systems demands a leap from thinking in a straight line from problem to solution, to delving deeply into the interrelationships and connections that exist along a more complicated path.

What kind of innovations are we looking for?

We are looking for global submissions from innovators who have developed evidence-based, impactful, and scalable educational practices that support planetary health. These solutions go beyond the environmental education pedagogies of the 20th century and strive for systems-thinking and -leadership to promote eco-ambition for the 21st century and beyond:

For children from early childhood through high school and vocational school;
Through teacher professional development and training;
Through formal and non-formal education; for example after school programs, community based programmes, practical trainings;
By working in the public and/or private sectors;
From grassroots organisations or educators, non-governmental organisations, non-profit and for-profit entities.

Why should you apply?

Solutions selected for the Spotlight will receive tailored support to accelerate their growth and impact. The innovators will be featured on HundrED channels and showcased at Villars’ flagship events in 2027, highlighting their results and the real-world impact of their work.

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