Are Children's Hospitals Doing Enough to Address the Climate Crisis?

Abstract

The warming of our planet matters to the health, well-being, and future of every child. 1 Due to the nature of infants' and children's biological systems and cognitive immaturity, they are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and air pollution. 1,2 The U.S. healthcare sector itself contributes to the problem and accounts for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe). 3 These emissions come directly from hospital operations, indirectly from purchased energy, and the largest category, termed scope 3 emissions, includes purchased goods and services, employee commuting, and waste management. 4 Reducing GHGe can also improve hospitals' operating efficiency and promote healthcare resiliency. 1.