A new BMJ series offers tangible actions clinicians can take to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare
If global healthcare were a country it would rank fifth in the world for greenhouse gas emissions.1 We must all take action to reduce healthcare emissions—but how? A new BMJ series offers a range of ideas, with practical tips on making healthcare systems more sustainable. Each article details one action or project that frontline clinicians can implement, supported by a rapidly growing evidence base, to reduce the carbon footprint of their practice. Online readers can use a linked interactive tool (https://sandpit.bmj.com/graphics/2023/tangibleActions-v8/) to find actions relevant to their role and workplace.
The climate crisis is a health crisis,2 and healthcare professionals are on the frontline—seeing more patients with respiratory3 and mental health4 conditions caused by wildfires, infectious diseases …