Decarbonizing healthcare sector: from a review to a framework of practical solutions

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives Climate change is one of the biggest health threats facing humanity. It can be considered as a syndemic, interacting with social determinants of health and pre-existing chronic conditions, exacerbating their effects on human health. Healthcare sector should play a key role in mitigating the climate crisis considering its mission of protecting and promoting health. Despite this, its climate footprint is equivalent to 4.4% of global net carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to the climate crisis. In this context, healthcare sector needs to lead the way to the net zero carbon emissions. The aim of this paper is to identify key actions for reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare system and develop a framework for emission reduction actions. Methods The study consists of two phases: i) conduction of a rapid review of the literature, through which studies on healthcare carbon footprint published worldwide until April 2022 will be collected, screened by title and abstract and analysed; ii) identification of hubs as main causes for CO2 emissions and development of a framework for adopting practical solutions aimed at carbon reduction actions. Results From the rapid review of the literature 747 records have been retrieved. Of this, 21 have been selected after screening by title and abstract. Conclusions The climate crisis is increasingly compromising human health, so urgent actions are needed. As the healthcare system contribution to the climate crisis is expected to increase in the next years, efforts must be undertaken to mitigate this and become sustainable and climate-smart. Healthcare system and healthcare professionals should be the ones leading the front by reducing its own pressures to climate. The entire scientific community is called to recognise this issue as a high priority. Key messages • Climate crisis as a high priority for healthcare professionals. • Development of a framework for carbon reduction actions.