Climate and health news: March 2021
CommonSpirit Health’s CEO takes national leadership role for climate action
With a healing mission and a commitment to “do no harm,” health care has a unique responsibility to act now on climate. CommonSpirit Health’s CEO Lloyd Dean was recently named one of four leaders of America Is All In, the most expansive cross-sectoral coalition ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Join the America Is All In Climate Declaration alongside CommonSpirit Health and other U.S. leaders to address the largest public health threat of the 21st century.
Are you all in?
Momentum is building for climate-smart health care
As the world begins to address climate change with the urgency needed, health care has a critical role to play in meeting decarbonization goals to protect the health of people and the planet. In May, Health Care Without Harm will announce the first hospitals and health care systems to join the Race to Zero, a cross-sectoral, global campaign to build momentum in the private sector in the lead up to COP26.
A net-zero future
Connecting climate solutions with health outcomes
A new survey from ecoAmerica found health is the strongest motivator for climate solutions support, ranking even higher than jobs. Climate concern has grown over time, alongside trust in health professionals as a source of climate change information. Learn why more people agree we have a moral responsibility to create a safe and healthy environment and how younger adults are making the connection between climate solutions and their health.
Read the full report
2 opportunities to improve surgery’s carbon footprint
While concern about the impact of climate change on our health grows, there is increasing interest in the environmental impact of health care delivery. From NPR to ENTtoday, recent articles are turning their focus to the operating room’s carbon footprint. Here are two ways health care professionals can advance climate solutions and advocate for more sustainable surgery practices.
Surgeons for a sustainable future
Investing in tree canopy and human health
Tree canopy is a critical component of community health infrastructure, but urban tree cover is shrinking, and its health benefits are not often equitably distributed. Health care facilities across the country are investing in community wellness through tree planting, education, and community engagement. The Arbor Day Foundation recently recognized 24 health care facilities who are improving the environment and human health by distributing free trees to community members and using trees to create therapeutic landscapes on campus.
More about Tree Campus Healthcare
Upcoming events
Live conversation with former CMS administrator Berwick, April 6
Anchor institution strategies to advance climate action, April 7
Health Care Without Harm launches its Global Road Map for Health Care Decarbonization at the Skoll World Forum, April 14
CleanMed Connect 2021, May 18-20
Visit our Climate and Health program page to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
