What actions must we take today to secure a healthier, sustainable future for all? As climate change intensifies, so too does its impact on human health. More frequent heatwaves, extreme weather events, and shifting patterns of infectious diseases are redefining the challenges facing healthcare systems globally. With the evidence growing, it is clear that our path to a sustainable future requires urgent, health-focused climate action. This year’s Lancet Countdown report underscores the need for transformative steps to not only curb emissions but also to build resilient, equitable healthcare systems that can withstand the pressures of a rapidly changing world. The 2024 Lancet Countdown offers a comprehensive examination of these health-climate intersections, presenting a stark picture of how much remains to be done, but also highlighting promising pathways forward.
Discover how the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, alongside partners like the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, is transforming maternity care in the UK. This post highlights key areas to make maternity services more equitable and eco-friendly. Plus, find out how you can get involved in the Green Maternity Challenge to help drive positive change.
The Centre For Sustainable Healthcare has been working alongside NICE, the National Institute For Health and Care Excellence for almost 10 years to ensure that sustainability becomes a core
Monday, 8th July 2024, is dedicated to the NHS Sustainability Day of Action. This occasion highlights the NHS’s efforts towards a greener future and the crucial role of sustainability in health service and product decisions. It also offers a chance to learn about innovative strategies the NHS can adopt to deliver healthcare while reducing its environmental footprint. Over the past year, we have seen a growing number of NHS employees improve the sustainability of their practices, preserving resources for future generations while providing high-quality care. We would like to say thank you for encouraging other healthcare professionals and patients to engage in sustainable practices and for implementing initiatives that will have a substantial collective impact.
On 30 May 2024, the Global Climate and Health Alliance adopted a landmark resolution on Climate Change and Health during the World Health Assembly (WHA).
In September last year, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) commenced a Green Team Competition in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. The competition has brought anticipated annual savings to the Trust of £284,098 and 4,797 kgCO2e. This is the carbon footprint equivalent of driving 14,167 miles in an average car (or 129 return trips between GOSH and Brighton).
The Planetary Health Report Card (PHRC), now in its fifth year, is a student-driven, metric-based initiative to inspire planetary health and education for sustainable healthcare in medical schools. There are metrics in five categories - curriculum, research, community outreach, student support and sustainability. CSH is highlighted on the PHRC resource page as an excellent education and resource provider that specialises in the integration of sustainable healthcare into teaching and practice.
