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Planetary Health and Climate Action in Radiology
Tyler D Yan1, Bruce B Forster1, Alison Harris1
1Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Summary
Radiology must address its environmental impact to protect planetary health. Healthcare systems need sustainable practices to mitigate climate change and reduce medical imaging
Area of Science:
- Planetary Health
- Environmental Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution threaten human health and earth's systems.
- Planetary health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being.
- Healthcare, particularly radiology, has a significant environmental footprint.
Purpose of the Study:
- Define planetary healthcare within the radiology context.
- Provide a framework for environmentally sustainable medical imaging.
- Highlight the role of radiology in mitigating climate change.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on planetary health and radiology's environmental impact.
- Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from medical imaging.
- Exploration of mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Main Results:
- Medical imaging contributes 0.8%–1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Growing demand for imaging exacerbates environmental concerns.
- Urgent need for leadership in sustainable radiology practices.
Conclusions:
- Radiology departments must integrate planetary health principles.
- Key strategies include reducing energy consumption and waste.
- Adaptation measures are crucial for climate change resilience.
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