The UN Quadripartite is urging governments to adopt an upstream One Health approach to prevent future infectious risks. One Health is an integrated approach that aims to optimise and balance the health of humans, animals and ecosystems. Prevention is a central value in public health but is under-theorised in One Health. For One Health prevention to be possible, the network of concepts, values, and relations we describe as ‘the environment’, need to be at the centre not the periphery of One Health thinking and action. In this talk I explore how a shift towards effective upstream prevention requires incorporating different values and epistemic commitments, including Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems. As we negotiate the Anthropocene a One Health approach can help us beneficially manage Australia’s unique ecosystems during periods of environmental change. But because One Health is a normative project, work is needed to develop publicly acceptable policies to achieve these goals.

Effective governance is critical to tackling the complex health challenges posed by climate change. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption are intensifying health risks that cut across human, animal, and environmental domains. A One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of these systems, offers a powerful framework for building more resilient and equitable public health responses.

However, translating One Health into practice remains difficult. Governance structures are often fragmented, responsibilities unclear, and coordination across sectors limited. This presentation explores how governance, the institutions, processes, and relationships that shape collective decision-making, can be reformed to better support integrated climate and health action. Drawing on governance theory and practical stakeholder engagement, it identifies common barriers such as siloed decision-making and inconsistent mandates, as well as enablers including shared values, trust, and adaptive capacity.

A particular focus will be on the role of the public health community in strengthening One Health governance. The presentation will offer practical tools and strategies for improving coordination across sectors and levels of government, embedding environmental and Indigenous perspectives, and driving institutional reforms that support prevention, preparedness, and more effective responses to climate-related health risks.

One Health recognises that the wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment is woven together and sustained through relationship as part of a greater whole. On Country, these connections are understood as part of self, what I refer to as oneness. My research with Yuin Elders, weeds and River (Shoalhaven River) shows that plants and other beings are teachers of sickness, balance, and healing. As climate change brings invasive plants, fire, flood, and drought, these beings remind us that health cannot be divided into silos. Weeds, for example, are often perceived as invasive, yet they also embody medicinal properties and adaptability. Furthermore, Snake and River teach that healing is relational about rhythm, reciprocity, and gentle care. This talk explores how Indigenous knowledge systems relate to One Health thinking. By listening to the voices of plants, waters, and more-than-human kin, and placing Indigenous perspectives at the centre, we can reimagine health and climate strategies in Australia. With Indigenous perspectives, it is possible to heal the planet. This is our Ancient way of knowing, carried for millennia, where we know Country in oneness and how to nurture a healthy Mother Earth.