Healthcare sustainability and the planetary crisis: A solution orientation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The climate crisis is a significant public health emergency requiring systemic healthcare action.
• The global healthcare sector contributes approximately 4.6% of national greenhouse gas emissions.
• Healthcare systems are vulnerable to climate change impacts, necessitating adaptation and mitigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a solution-oriented framework for integrating climate health into clinical practice, medical education, and health system operations.
• To outline actionable strategies for decarbonizing healthcare systems.
• To emphasize the role of leadership, interprofessional engagement, and equity in driving institutional change.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on the Sustainable Initiatives to Guide Healthcare Transformation (SIGHT) report and existing evidence.
• Identifying strategies for energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, waste reduction, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Highlighting the importance of leadership, interprofessional collaboration, and equity-centered design.

Main Results:

• Healthcare systems have a dual role as contributors to and victims of climate change.
• Actionable strategies for decarbonization include energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, waste reduction, and resilient infrastructure.
• Institutional change requires leadership, interprofessional engagement, and equity-centered design, supported by aligned policies and transparent reporting.

Conclusions:

• Integrating climate health into healthcare is essential for addressing the climate crisis.
• Decarbonizing healthcare requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing operations, education, and clinical practice.
• A new vision for healthcare leadership, prioritizing environmental stewardship and social justice, is crucial for healing people and the planet.