Health Care Workers' Views of Health Care's Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reducing Health Care Emissions.

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is the greatest global public health threat of this century, increasing respiratory, cardiovascular, and vector-borne diseases; mental health effects; and premature deaths. The US health care sector is responsible for 8% to 10% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, engaging health care systems in emissions reduction could improve health for all communities.

Methods: A 10-question survey was emailed to a convenience sample consisting of 211 faculty physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants and an unknown number of other staff employed at 21 UW Health family medicine clinics. The survey measured knowledge of health care greenhouse gas emissions and included 2 open-ended questions to solicit opinions on sustainability priorities and barriers to waste reduction. Each clinic also received a 15-minute presentation on health care climate impact during one of their regularly scheduled meetings.

Results: Of the 130 survey respondents, 34% knew the health care sector is responsible for 8% to 10% of the US carbon emissions and 9% of non-greenhouse air pollutants. Only 26% knew that most of these emissions come from purchasing and transportation. However, 92% thought environmental sustainability should be incorporated into all clinical operations, and 74% wanted to know how to affect purchasing to reduce emissions. Top priorities were identified as investing in renewable energy, increasing recycling, and reducing waste (eg, single-use instruments). Top barriers to waste reduction were thought to be cost, complacency, and time.

Conclusions: Despite lack of knowledge of the health care sector's contribution to US greenhouse gas emissions, most surveyed health care workers wanted their health care system to incorporate environmental sustainability into all clinic operations. Additional research identifying knowledge gaps and soliciting opinions of other medical specialties and health care systems on health care greenhouse gas emissions may increase awareness of health care emissions, inform health care leaders, and lead to emissions reduction.