Extreme heat and air pollution have been increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as respiratory ailments. But paradoxically, the healthcare sector treating us for the conditions is a strong contributor of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating the crisis.
Climate change and health conditions have a concerning and underrated connection. In a bid to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels (as per the Paris deal), the COP26 climate conference saw countries strengthen their emission-cutting targets.
50 countries have pledged to develop climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, highlighting that governments across the globe have started to realise the link between protecting global health and tackling the climate crisis. But more needs to be done.
Carbon footprint equivalent to 514 coal-fired power plants
The recently concluded COP28 Summit in Dubai saw participants operationalise the landmark Loss and Damage Fund to compensate developing countries for the consequences of climate change, in addition to acknowledging the need to transition away from fossil fuels.
The raging climate emergency has considerable impacts on global health. For instance, air pollution has been linked to myriad conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. In 2015, air pollution caused more damage than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
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Susceptible groups, including children, older adults and people having underlying medical conditions, may be at greater risk. In 2020, a nine-year-old became the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as the cause of death.
The healthcare sector is responsible for almost 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and has a carbon footprint equivalent to 514 coal-fired power plants. Under a ‘business as usual’ scenario, experts fear emissions from the sector could triple between now and 2050.
Medical curriculum must highlight health sector’s footprint
In 2020, NHS England became the first national health service on the planet to announce a plan to become a net-zero health system. The following year, all four UK health services committed to this change at the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.
Plans aim to decarbonise care in a number of methods, including adding zero-emission vehicles to the NHS’s fleet, construction of net-zero hospitals, installing LED light bulbs and optimising the location of care (for instance, moving care closer to home, reducing visits and emissions).
On a global perspective, the medical curriculum must include the impact of health sector on climate, in order to help healthcare professionals better understand the situation and deliver greener solutions. Students have expressed keen interest in the possible change.
