Health care providers have duty to reduce impact of their work on environment

Climate change is predicted to be one of the largest health threats of the 21st century. Human activities are increasing the release of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and eminent catastrophe. It is important for every individual to know about carbon/greenhouse gas emissions, and each one of us must endeavor to limit the same so as to leave the earth in a better position than it is now.Health care itself is a large contributor to carbon emissions. The health care sector is responsible for one-seventh of the U.S. economy. The energy used in health care facilities is highly extensive and almost double that per square foot of traditional office space. The carbon footprint of the National Health Service in England is estimated to be 20 million tons of greenhouse gases and accounts for 25% of all public sector emissions in the United Kingdom. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from health care facilities is of prime importance. Instilling the concept of “going green” in medical and health care education is important to raise awareness and initiate efforts to improve not just the patients’ health but also that of the surrounding environment.