NCWG Is Now Part of the Scientific Literature
Our new Perspective highlights the interconnectedness of brain health and planetary health and presents the International Neuro Climate Working Group as an emerging model for translating science into action through global, transdisciplinary collaboration.
We are delighted to share the publication of our new Perspective:
The International Neuro Climate Working Group: A Global, Transdisciplinary Model for Advancing Planetary Health Through Brain Health.
This publication marks an exciting milestone for our community. For the first time, the International Neuro Climate Working Group is not only contributing to the growing body of science on climate change and brain health. We have become part of the scientific literature ourselves, as an example of how global, transdisciplinary collaboration can help address one of the defining challenges of our time.
Brain health and planetary health are inseparable
Over the past decade, evidence linking climate change to brain health has expanded rapidly. Research now shows that climate-related stressors, including extreme heat, air pollution, environmental toxins, food insecurity, vector-borne diseases, and extreme weather events, can affect neurological health, cognition, mental health, and neurodevelopment across the lifespan.
But the relationship goes both ways.
Healthy brains enable learning, decision-making, creativity, cooperation, and resilience—the very capacities that allow individuals and societies to respond to climate change and other planetary challenges. Protecting brain health is therefore not only a public health priority, but also an essential component of building a more sustainable and resilient future. As our paper argues, brain health and planetary health are deeply interconnected, and protecting one depends on protecting the other.
Why collaborative models matter
The environmental challenges facing our world are increasingly interconnected. Addressing them requires more than scientific discovery alone. It requires new ways of working across disciplines, sectors, countries, and communities.
In this Perspective, we present the NCWG as an emerging model for global, transdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating research, policy, advocacy, and community engagement, NCWG aims to accelerate the translation of scientific evidence into real-world action while ensuring that solutions are equitable, implementation-focused, and informed by diverse perspectives.
We hope the framework described in this paper can inspire similar collaborative initiatives around the world and contribute to strengthening the growing movement connecting brain health, climate action, and planetary health.
A milestone that belongs to our community
This publication reflects the collective efforts of an extraordinary global community. Every collaboration, every monthly meeting, every research project, every policy discussion, every webinar, and every idea shared across continents has helped shape what NCWG has become. Seeing this collective vision recognized in the scientific literature is a milestone that belongs to all of our members and partners.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Ameli Breuer, who represented NCWG at the 2025 Planetary Health Annual Meeting and then spearheaded the development of this manuscript. We also sincerely thank our colleagues at the Planetary Health Alliance for creating and nurturing spaces where the intersection of brain health and planetary health can continue to grow, and Professor Susan Prescott, Guest Editor of this Special Issue, for her encouragement, leadership, and unwavering support throughout the publication process.
Most importantly, we thank every member of the International Neuro Climate Working Group. Your expertise, collaboration, generosity, and commitment continue to demonstrate what is possible when people from around the world unite around a shared vision.
Together, we look forward to advancing the science, policy, and practice of brain health on a changing planet.
Read the full Perspective: https://www.mdpi.com/2078-1547/17/3/27