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Delivering environmental sustainability in healthcare for future generations: Time to clean up our own cubby house.

Karen Minnie KiangCarol Behne
Published in: Journal of paediatrics and child health (2022)
Children and future generations will be those most affected by climate change, and paediatricians have a moral responsibility to preserve a secure and habitable world for them. Despite our pledge to 'first do no harm', the health-care sector itself is a major contributor to global warming and environmental degradation. These contributions are projected to rise unless urgent measures are undertaken to decarbonise. Fortunately, an increasing number of individuals, health institutions, organisations and government agencies are taking action to shift this trajectory. Opportunities to reduce emissions and improve environmental sustainability in the health-care sector are vast. If done well, sustainable climate-smart health care offers opportunities for financial, environmental, and social gains - a 'triple win'. By getting our own house in order, the health sector can influence action throughout our economy and society, realise the health co-benefits of climate action and fulfil our obligation to help minimise the growing health impacts of climate change.
Keyphrases
  • healthcare
  • climate change
  • human health
  • life cycle
  • public health
  • health information
  • mental health
  • risk assessment