Planetary health impairments and the myopia pandemic

This editorial examines the interconnected challenges of planetary health through the concept of myopia, understood both as a rapidly increasing global visual impairment and as a metaphor for humanity's inability or unwillingness to recognise the long-term consequences of its actions. It argues that prevailing anthropocentric perspectives, short-term political priorities, and growth-oriented economic and technological paradigms hinder effective responses to interconnected ecological crises. Drawing on the contributions to this issue, the editorial explores alternative approaches to sustainability, encompassing climate mitigation and adaptation, circular economy, ecological restoration, sustainable consumption, and human–nature relationships. It highlights the importance of overcoming narrow temporal and spatial perspectives and recognising the ecological interdependence of human societies and natural systems. Ultimately, it calls for a transition towards an ecocentric worldview, grounded in ecological wisdom, long-term responsibility, and a renewed understanding of humanity's place within the wider ecosphere.