Climate change can have serious consequences for people’s health, hence the two are inextricably linked. Heat waves, storms, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather phenomena are becoming more common and severe as a result of climate change, putting people at risk of harm and forcing them to relocate. Air pollution, which can damage people’s lungs and hearts, is predicted to worsen as a result of climate change.
Alterations to ecosystems and agricultural practices are two pathways by which climate change might indirectly impact human health. Malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease are just a few examples of conditions that can worsen as a result of climate change. Temperature and precipitation fluctuations, for instance, can affect the distribution and number of disease vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
Mental health can also be negatively impacted by climate change, especially in the context of natural disasters and relocation. Mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are included here.
Therefore, measures to limit and adapt to climate change can have significant co-benefits for human health, two aims that are intrinsically related. This involves expanding availability of clean energy and sustainable food systems, decreasing air pollution, and encouraging active transportation and green areas.
The healthcare sector is highly responsible for global warming. Healthcare facilities and operations have a high impact on the environment due to their high energy use, resource depletion, and waste production.
Energy use, particularly for heating, cooling, and lighting, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the healthcare sector. Carbon emissions and environmental contamination can also result from the manufacturing and disposal of medical supplies and equipment such single-use plastics and medications.
Furthermore, healthcare institutions produce copious amounts of trash, some of which is toxic or even infectious. Mismanaging and improperly disposing of medical waste poses threats to public and employee health as well as to the environment.
However, there are other ways in which the healthcare sector may lessen its contribution to global warming and other environmental problems. Adopting sustainable procedures for waste management and procurement of supplies and equipment are included in this category, as are the installation of LED lighting and increased building insulation. Benefits to the environment and financial savings can be achieved by encouraging preventative healthcare and decreasing the use of needless medical procedures.
The healthcare sector can play a crucial role in combating climate change and advancing sustainable development if it takes action to reduce its environmental effect.