Sustainable Health Care and Advocacy for Rheumatologists: Lessons Learned from the Australian Experience

Greenhouse gas emissions from burning of fossil fuels are warming our planet, causing climate change and loss of biodiversity. This is also causing increasing health issues for patients as they deal with heatwaves, floods, extreme weather events, and loss of food and water security. Rheumatologists need to prepare for and adapt to these changes, but also mitigate against ongoing greenhouse gas emissions to reduce these impacts. This article outlines sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Rheumatology, ways to reduce these emissions, and the importance of moving outside our usual sphere of practice and advocating for a safe and stable climate.