A REVIEW article highlights the urgent need for healthcare professionals, particularly those in infectious diseases, to take action in reducing the sector’s substantial environmental impact. The U.S. healthcare system accounts for 8.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions, with hospitals alone responsible for 35% of this total. The review underscores the critical link between climate change and infectious diseases, stressing that environmental sustainability should be a priority in medical practice.
The authors outline key strategies for incorporating sustainability into healthcare, particularly through infectious disease (ID) expertise. Previous initiatives in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention serve as a foundation for broader environmental sustainability efforts. The proposed actions include:
Climate Change Education in Medical Training – Ensuring that future healthcare professionals understand how climate change exacerbates infectious diseases and health disparities.
Expanding Research and Funding – Encouraging studies on healthcare sustainability and securing funding for projects aimed at reducing medical waste and emissions.
System-Wide Emission Reductions – Implementing reforms within healthcare institutions, including reducing reliance on high-emission medical practices, improving energy efficiency, and minimizing waste.
The article notes that children are especially vulnerable to climate change, facing up to seven times the risk of extreme weather exposure compared to previous generations. This intensifies the urgency for rapid greenhouse gas reductions in healthcare.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has already introduced the Health Sector Climate Pledge, committing healthcare institutions to a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, The Joint Commission has set voluntary sustainability standards, with many frontline healthcare workers supporting stronger mandates for emissions measurement and reduction.
The review emphasizes that addressing climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a public health imperative. Infectious disease professionals, given their expertise in systemic health interventions, are well-positioned to lead this effort. By integrating sustainability into medical practice, the healthcare sector can play a crucial role in combating climate change while advancing its fundamental mission: protecting human health.
Reference: Doshi S et al. Healthcare Sustainability to Address Climate Change: Call for Action to the Infectious Diseases Community. J Pediatr Infect Dis. 2024;13(6):306-12.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
