Climate change poses a major threat to health systems and populations worldwide, both directly and indirectly, by increasing the risk of deaths, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and health emergencies. It also has an impact on the workforce and infrastructure, reducing the ability to provide universal health coverage. Climate change will continue to undermine important social determinants of health, and taking action to reduce emissions is paramount to slow the rate of global warming and achieve the 2°C target stipulated by the Paris Agreement.
Healthcare systems account for 4%-5% of global CO2 emissions, and it’s an ethical imperative to take this seriously and transform the way medical treatment is provided. To limit global warming, it’s necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2030, which requires a coordinated effort between facilities, supply chains, insurance companies, government leaders, and policymakers. Once the ambition to set a long-term decarbonization target has been set, health systems must implement actions that lead to real emissions reduction, even if the impacts can’t be fully measured.
Embarking on a route to net zero emissions for a complex system like the NHS is no simple task. The publicly funded healthcare system in England is responsible for 40% of the sector’s emissions, and while it’s made progress in becoming more sustainable and less carbon-intensive, it needs support to keep up momentum. The emissions the NHS can influence can reach net zero by 2045, with the possibility of reaching an 80% reduction by 2036 to 2039. Reaching net zero shouldn’t compromise patient care – as a matter of fact, it should enhance it.
Technology Can Significantly Contribute To Making The NHS Greener
The deep diffusion of digital technology in the healthcare sector can help improve productivity and carbon efficiency, therefore improving and preserving the environment as a whole. Digital technology encompasses emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, essential components of Industry 4.0. Carbon neutrality is vital to solve the pressing problems of resource and environmental constraints and achieve sustainable development, promoting the harmonious existence between humans and nature. Technology can help the NHS react to the results of the climate crisis as follows:
It Minimizes Unnecessary Paper Use And Waste
Using paper records offers more control over the safety and privacy of patients’ medical records, so it makes sense that not all healthcare facilities are eager to implement electronic solutions. The NHS relies heavily on people working together and sharing information, yet physicians feel isolated in front of the computer monitor, so instead of saving time, they spend more time than ever introducing data and less time with patients. Additionally, a lack of agreed technology standards, issues concerning patient consent on how data can be used, and a lack of digital skills are holding back the NHS from better interoperability.
Online documents are more environmentally friendly than their old-school paper counterparts and contribute to better, more efficient business operations. Management platforms include a search functionality that immediately pulls up the information healthcare workers need. Automation boosts productivity by allowing medical practitioners to care for patients faster. With comprehensive security features like encryption, access controls, audit trails, and user authentication, personally identifiable information is protected from unauthorized access. Healthcare facilities and their workers shouldn’t be left overwhelmed and floundering, as this poses a serious risk to patient safety. Patients injured by medical error can exhibit various behaviors, from passively withdrawing to expressing their dissatisfaction.
It Reduces Transport-Associated Emissions
Transport is responsible for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the burden of climate change, not to mention it creates smog, soot, and other air pollutants. In emergencies, every second counts, and ambulances equipped with well-trained paramedics can save lives. The key pollutants from petrol, diesel, and fossil fuel engines are carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter, which affect those suffering from pre-existing respiratory conditions. Promoting greener driving styles, reducing idle times, and avoiding unnecessary patient journeys can go a long way in reaching net zero. It brings benefits to the NHS, patients, and the planet.
Telemedicine enhances patients’ access to healthcare by reducing the need to travel, which helps bring down pollution. Doctors can meet with their patients when they can’t or shouldn’t meet in person through the use of phone calls, text messages, emails, or video chat. Some conditions are more suitable for telemedicine than others, such as chronic conditions that require frequent monitoring, including high blood pressure. Platforms used in the provision of telemedicine should be accessible for people with disabilities, meaning that color contrast should allow the viewing of images and text on the screen, the screen must be broad enough to enable lip reading, and scrolling should be avoided to access information.
It Requires Less Energy To Perform The Same Task(S)
Healthcare facilities are energy-intensive buildings – that is, they’re not designed with sustainability in mind or aren’t efficiently run. Energy wastage translates into unnecessary emissions and avoidable costs, so it’s imperative to procure renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint and negative health impacts. To make long-standing, sustainable changes within healthcare, creating simple road maps is of the essence to avoid inhibiting medical practitioners’ working lives. Various green energy sources can be used to reduce the carbon footprint, such as solar energy; the massive amount of solar energy attainable makes it an attractive resource. Solar panel efficiency rates have increased substantially due to continuous research, developments, and technological breakthroughs. The use of renewable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and optimized HVAC systems can represent the tipping point between success and failure. Using data analytics to track healthcare’s carbon footprint can help pinpoint areas for improvement and determine the impact of sustainability measures. Carbon tracking involves gathering data on greenhouse gas emissions, including indirect emissions from electricity, heat, and steam and indirect emissions from the value chain. Attaining energy efficiency in healthcare ultimately comes down to achieving a culture of awareness and responsibility among medical practitioners, so staff education is crucial.
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