Modification of Clinical Practice to Minimize Environmental Impact

Abstract

Although the health care sector is dedicated to promoting health, it paradoxically contributes to climate change by burning fossil fuels, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Its energy-intensive facilities, extensive supply chains, and massive waste production account for approximately 4.6% of global net emissions. In this contradictory position, the promotion of health is undermined by the resulting environmental degradation, leading to rising global temperatures, heat waves, air pollution, intensified droughts and precipitation, and more frequent and severe extreme weather events. Ironically, the health care sector contributes to the chronic medical conditions it aims to address, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and heat-related diseases; atopic conditions; adverse pregnancy outcomes; and vector-borne diseases. Vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions, ethnic minorities, and socioeconomically marginalized communities, who are already affected by systemic inequities, bear a disproportionate burden of these climate-driven health outcomes. This article reviews the negative impact of the health care sector on human health and global equity, identifies sources of emissions, and outlines actionable procurement measures the medical sector can adopt to lessen its carbon footprint.