Part 4/9:
Health professionals worldwide are increasingly recognizing climate change as one of the most significant health threats of the 21st century. Strikingly, the healthcare sector—if considered as a country—would rank as the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally. This paradox underscores the urgent need for the healthcare industry to lead by example in reducing its carbon footprint. From energy consumption within facilities to supply chain emissions, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels significantly contributes to climate change. Leaders in medicine argue that tackling this issue involves both reducing emissions and reinventing healthcare practices to prioritize sustainability.