When it comes to climate change and health in the news, 2017 has been one for the books. This year brought more than its fair share of trials.

But more importantly, with each new obstacle, health care leaders stepped up to score major victories.

Here are two of the top 10 biggest wins to give you some fresh hope as we head into 2018. The full list is available on Medium: 

1. Over 10,000 hospitals committed to climate action

During COP23 in Bonn, Germany, over 10,000 hospitals and health systems from 30 countries endorsed the Health Care Call to Action on Climate. This came in the wake of extreme weather devastating communities around the world. The call to action recognizes that the health care sector must build resilience into our systems and facilities to best prepare for climate change-induced weather impacts.

 + YouTube: Health care worldwide calls for action on climate change

2. The global health care system vowed to become mercury-free

Aug. 16, 2017, was a historic day. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty that will phase out mercury-based medical devices by 2020, entered into force. Starting with one thermometer in one Boston hospital nearly 20 years ago, the mercury-free health care campaign has shown us that by holding ourselves to “do no harm” and by leveraging our collective influence, we can change the way the world thinks about the the environment and our health.

 + Environment News Service: Convention on mercury enters into force
 + Chemistry World: Minamata Convention comes into effect
 + Human Rights Watch: Groundbreaking mercury treaty takes effect

View the full list on Medium.