Healthcare is a major global polluter; sustainable practices are needed across systems, though progress varies internationally.
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The healthcare sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 5% globally, with higher percentages in Europe, the US, and China. Without change, healthcare systems could produce six gigatonnes of CO2 annually by 2050. While some hospitals are implementing sustainable practices like solar panels, recycling, and local food sourcing, substantial work remains. International organizations highlight that medical facilities are major polluters, with most emissions stemming from the production, packaging, transport, and disposal of goods and services, followed by energy consumption. Global efforts have seen commitments at COP26 to develop low-carbon healthcare systems. European strategies focus on adaptation and sustainability through initiatives like pharmaceutical strategies and digital health. Various hospitals worldwide are conducting advanced experiments in areas such as geothermal energy use, reducing emissions from inhalers, and minimizing food waste. In Italy, while some regional and hospital initiatives exist—focusing on energy reduction and local sourcing—there is a lack of systemic response, and the national recovery plan did not explicitly address healthcare’s role in decarbonization, suggesting the sector may continue to be a major climate contributor.
