[New challenges for anesthesia due to the climate change]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Healthcare Sustainability
• Climate Change Mitigation

Background:

• The healthcare sector, particularly energy-intensive departments, accounts for 5-10% of greenhouse gas emissions in Western countries.
• The climate crisis poses a significant threat to global health.
• Hospitals are major contributors to environmental pollution and carbon footprint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide background knowledge on achieving climate-neutral hospitals.
• To offer practical strategies for reducing the environmental impact of healthcare facilities.
• To review key areas contributing to hospital emissions.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes information on volatile anesthetics, hospital energy supply, and solid waste management.
• It examines the global warming potential of anesthetic agents.
• It explores energy-saving techniques and waste reduction strategies.

Main Results:

• Volatile anesthetics, especially desflurane, are potent greenhouse gases; alternatives like total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) have lower climate impact.
• Sustainable energy sources, LED lighting, and motion sensors can reduce hospital CO2 emissions.
• Effective waste management involves reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, and research principles.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare professionals must actively contribute to climate goals.
• Implementing sustainable practices in anesthesia, energy use, and waste management is crucial for climate-neutral hospitals.
• Reducing the environmental impact of healthcare is essential for global health.