We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Practical Guide for Physicians and Health Care Workers to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint in Daily Clinical Work
Summary
This commentary provides practical strategies for physicians and healthcare workers to reduce their individual carbon footprints in daily clinical practice, framing medical professionals as having a privileged duty to protect planetary health. The authors highlight that many carbon-reduction measures in clinical settings also carry direct health co-benefits.
With Earth Overshoot Day having recently passed, there is no space for complacency regarding taking care of our planet. On August 2, 2017, humanity used nature's resource budget for the entire year. For decades, we have lived far beyond our means by overexploiting natural resources and spewing pollution, such as microplastics and industrial chemicals, into our environment. On the other hand, public awareness of human-induced climate change has also increased since the 1980s. The frequent media coverage about extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, serves as an important reminder that anthropogenic climate change is happening now.Adverse health conditions associated with climate change include an increased prevalence of diseases and disorders. Although we all contribute to this development, as physicians we also have the privileged duty to protect global human health. Therefore, we should make every effort to cut down our own carbon footprint and adapt a more sustainable lifestyle.The aim of this commentary is to provide feasible tips and strategies to effectively reduce one's individual carbon footprint, with a special focus on daily clinical and hospital work. Not only are these strategies easy to implement in daily clinical routine, but most of them are associated with important health benefits.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Ecological transition and health: the role of physicians and healthcare
This perspective article examines the role of physicians and healthcare workers in addressing climate change and pollution as major public health threats, including microplastics, PFAS, and fine particulate matter. It argues that the medical community must move beyond disease treatment to advocate for reduced fossil fuel use and sustainable healthcare policies.
The climate crisis in clinical practice: Addressing air pollution, heat, and microplastics
This review examines how climate change-driven environmental threats including air pollution, extreme heat, and microplastics are already affecting patients in clinical settings. Researchers found that these exposures disproportionately harm vulnerable populations and that physicians need to be equipped to recognize and address the health effects of environmental degradation. The study argues that healthcare professionals have a critical role to play in both treating affected patients and advocating for policies that reduce fossil fuel-related pollution.
Planetary health action framework: A case study
This case study applied a patient-centered planetary health care framework to a primary care clinical case, using eight analytical lenses including actor-network theory and evidence-based medicine to integrate individual health with environmental sustainability. The paper presents planetary health action as feasible at the community clinical level through structured reflective practice.
Cobénéfices santé-environnement : concepts et recommandations pour la pratique clinique
This paper reviews the concepts of health-environment co-benefits within One Health, EcoHealth, and Planetary Health frameworks, providing clinical practice recommendations for healthcare professionals to integrate environmental co-benefit considerations — including reductions in plastic and chemical exposures — into patient counseling and healthcare system decision-making.
Actionable avenues for dermatologists to reduce their environmental impact
This commentary outlines actionable steps dermatologists can take to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare delivery, including minimizing single-use plastics, reducing regulated medical waste, and implementing green procurement policies. Researchers highlighted opportunities for reassessing procedure kits, minimizing medication waste, and promoting environmentally conscious practices. The study underscores that healthcare settings are significant contributors to plastic waste and offers practical strategies for reducing that footprint.