Leading the way for a healthy climate
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the gravest challenges humankind has ever faced. The fabrics of natural ecosystems and our societies are beginning to unravel from the devastating impacts of climate pollution. This crisis presents an unparalleled threat to our health and well-being. It also presents an opportunity for transformative systems change.
Whether treating respiratory disease from fossil fuel or wildfire pollution or protecting hospitals from floods, health care providers are first responders to these climate emergencies. Yet, health care’s climate footprint is also a significant contributor to this problem, with 4.4% of global net emissions. Health care’s most potent message is to lead by example–cutting emissions quickly and building climate resilient health systems.
By working together, we can embark on a road to recovery that’s healthier, more equitable, and more resilient for people and the planet. Health leaders can implement transformative solutions to prevent fossil fuel pollution and prepare systems and facilities for climate impacts.
We must act fast and we must act first.
Whether you’re a health minister, CEO of a private health institution, or a health professional, Health Care Without Harm provides guidance, and resources on decarbonizing, bolstering resilient health systems and demonstrating leadership. We seek to enable health care to fulfill its mission to do no harm while providing more equitable access to care.
Over 70 health care institutions representing more than 14,000 hospitals and health centers joined the Race To Zero.
Country commitments to strengthen the climate resilience and sustainability of their health systems.
Achieving zero emissions, climate resilience and health equity
Country commitments to strengthen the climate resilience and sustainability of their health systems.
Health Care Without Harm is proud to present its 2024-2028 International strategic plan, which addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change and health, and sets the course for the collective work of our international network.
For the ninth consecutive year, we have the privilege of recognizing outstanding health care institutions from around the world that are fully committed to adopting low-carbon health care practices, strengthening climate resilience strategies, and advocating for policies that prioritize the health of our planet.
Geneva, Switzerland, 31 May 2024 — In a significant move towards integrated global action, the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly has passed a resolution addressing the critical intersection of climate change and health. Health Care Without Harm applauds this important step forward in addressing the health impacts of the climate crisis.
Climate change poses an undeniable threat to our planet and the well-being of future generations. As we witness its far-reaching effects, it's becoming increasingly clear that urgent action is required across all sectors, including health care. The importance of health care climate action cannot be overstated; it's not only about reducing carbon emissions but also safeguarding public health, ensuring resilience against climate-related disasters, and demonstrating leadership in sustainability practices.
Reston, VA (04/30/2024) – Health Care Without Harm released a global sign-on letter on Monday, April
29, 2024, urging negotiators of the Plastics Treaty to ensure an ambitious treaty that does not exclude
the healthcare sector. The letter is signed by close to 1,000 medical and public health individuals and
organizations, including the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), the International
Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), the
Plastics is a global health crisis hiding in plain sight. Throughout the lifecycle of plastic, from production to disposal, a wide array of toxic chemicals and microplastics pose risks through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. Communities, health workers, and health systems are already witnessing the detrimental impacts of plastic production and pollution.
While the health care sector's primary mission is healing, it paradoxically contributes to the climate crisis as one of the main greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters.
Kathleen Jeanty recently joined Health Care Without Harm as Director of Global Communications.
Health professionals possess a diverse and expansive role, with the power to influence policy, challenge social norms, and drive transformative change. Drawing from a rich history of advocacy, they are uniquely positioned to address pressing issues through the lens of public health and disseminate critical information to the broader public.
In an opinion analysis published today at Think Global Health, a publication from the Council on Foreign Relations, Diana Picon Manyari, Health Care Without Harm’s International Climate Director, examines different actions taking place at a global level to contribute to the decarbonization of the health care sector.
During COP28, over 40 key thinkers and leaders from international organizations, government agencies, health systems, and civil society participated in a roundtable session to discuss how to accelerate health care climate action. The discussion focused on the pivotal current moment and future prospects for health care decarbonization and resilience, including the role of prevention as a mitigation strategy, acknowledging and addressing North-South complexity, and building an evidence base, tools, and technical capacity.
Despite facing unprecedented global challenges, including record-high temperatures and widespread natural disasters, COP28 showcased significant progress in health-focused climate action. However, it's evident that the commitments and actions from COP28 fall short of adequately addressing the scale of the climate crisis.