Practising Medicine in a Finite World

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Public health
• Medical ethics

Background:

• Climate change is a significant determinant of human health.
• Healthcare systems contribute to greenhouse gas emissions via energy use, procurement, and supply chains.
• This necessitates a dual response: addressing climate-related health impacts and reducing the sector's environmental footprint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore ethical, professional, and practical perspectives on sustainability in emergency medicine (EM).
• To encourage reflection on the role of clinicians in addressing environmental determinants of health.
• To balance environmental responsibilities with primary patient care obligations.

Main Methods:

• Review of ethical, professional, and practical viewpoints on sustainability in EM.
• Exploration of the challenges and opportunities for EM departments to measure and mitigate climate effects.
• Discussion of the role of clinicians in advocating for and implementing sustainable practices.

Main Results:

• Progress in sustainability within EM departments is limited and varies significantly.
• There is a recognized need for emergency departments (EDs) to measure their climate impact and implement changes.
• ACEM (Australasian College for Emergency Medicine) has declared climate change a medical emergency.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians and healthcare organizations face a complex challenge in addressing climate change's health impacts while reducing their own environmental impact.
• Meaningful changes and increased awareness are needed within EDs to improve sustainability.
• Integrating environmental stewardship into EM practice is essential for addressing the environmental determinants of health.