The Role of Pediatric Hospital Systems in Addressing the Climate Crisis

Health systems occupy a uniquely influential position in the global effort to address the climate crisis. As both major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and critical institutions for protecting public health, hospitals and health care organizations have an ethical and operational imperative to lead climate action. In doing so, health systems also realize a range of ancillary benefits that reinforce their core missions: improved cost-effectiveness, measurable return on investment, enhanced staff recruitment and retention, deeper community engagement, and strengthened public trust. This article outlines how health systems can mitigate their environmental footprint while enhancing patient care, operational efficiency, and community resiliency.