Medical Practice and the Climate Crisis Health Care Quality JAMA Network

The Intersection of Healthcare and Climate Change

Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues for the global community. The healthcare industry is not exempt from contributing to carbon emissions globally. According to studies, health care systems contribute to around 8% of carbon emissions in the United States. Addressing this issue may require significant changes in the healthcare industry’s current practices and overall approach. In this article, we will explore the role of healthcare in climate change and the steps being taken to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Call for Net-Zero Emission State by 2050

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference called for a net-zero emission state by 2050, which would see reductions of carbon emissions to the extent that they are not greater than carbon emissions produced. Health care organizations worldwide have a significant role to play in this global agreement as fossil fuels power much of their activities. The healthcare industry is accountable for reducing carbon emissions in their daily practices.

The US Department of Health and Human Services 50% Carbon Emission Reduction Target by 2030

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) called for a carbon emission reduction by 50% by 2030. This move is in response to the country’s growing concern about climate change and how it affects public health negatively. The HHS is encouraging all healthcare organizations to revise their practices to reduce carbon emissions. This means, among other things, switching to clean power systems, using renewable energy, and adopting energy-efficient initiatives.

The Role of Healthcare in Climate Change

The healthcare industry contributes to climate change directly and indirectly. From the energy consumption required to operate various healthcare systems to the carbon emissions generated from medical waste, and other health-related activities, health care systems have a significant carbon footprint. Even much of the supply chain for healthcare services is involved in processes that produce carbon emissions. Though each process may have only a minimal contribution to carbon emissions, when combined, they form a significant contribution to global warming.

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Healthcare Organizations

Reducing carbon emissions in healthcare organizations can be challenging. However, health care systems and facilities worldwide have taken significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Below are some of the initiatives undertaken by these organizations:

1. Renewal of Energy Sources

Healthcare organizations are making moves to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. These sources include wind and solar energy. For instance, many healthcare facilities worldwide are adopting solar energy to power their operations.

2. Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Healthcare facilities are adopting energy-efficient practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Health care facilities install energy-efficient lighting systems, heating, and cooling systems and employ specialized building designs to reduce energy consumption.

3. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

The Carbon Disclosure Project is an initiative that helps healthcare organizations reduce their carbon footprint. The program provides guidance and resources that enable healthcare organizations to enroll in climate action initiatives, measure their carbon emissions, and work towards reducing them.

4. Green Healthcare Supply Chains

The healthcare system’s supply chain involves processes that release carbon emissions. Adopting green supply chain practices and choosing eco-friendly alternatives to medical waste can significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the healthcare industry. Reusable equipment and vehicles for logistics are some of the methods healthcare facilities use to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Alternative Medicines and Climate Change

Alternative medicines offer practical and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional medications. Herbal medicines, acupuncture, and meditation practices are some alternative medicines that don’t directly generate carbon emissions. This approach is kinder to the environment and can contribute significantly to reducing the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint. As more studies continue to validate the efficacy of alternative medicines, more healthcare organizations and professionals are incorporating them into clinical practice.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry has a significant role to play in reducing global carbon emissions. The initiatives outlined in this article show a willingness by healthcare organizations worldwide to reduce their carbon footprint. Healthcare organizations must continue to innovate and adopt eco-friendly practices to contribute to the global effort towards achieving net-zero emission states by 2050. Alternative medicines offer practical and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional medications and can be incorporated into general clinical practice to reduce carbon emissions in the sector.

Originally Post From https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2821195