Five Fast Facts on Healthcare’s Climate Footprint

1) If healthcare were a country, it would be the fifth largest emitter worldwide, says the organization Healthcare Without Harm. Globally, healthcare accounts for just about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, in the U.S, China and EU, the proportion of greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare is higher.

2) Without action, predicted global emissions from healthcare will reach six gigatons a year by 2050 – equivalent to the emissions from approximately 1.26 billion cars.

3) Healthcare represents roughly 10% of the global economy. What is needed is joint action on reducing emissions across governments and business. Add in a push by financial institutions that fund major initiatives and this can lead to a sharp drop in global greenhouse gas emissions.

4) Emissions from generating electricity make up 40% of healthcare climate emissions. Decarbonizing the energy used to operate both health facilities and supply chains for producing and distributing health goods is also key to reducing emissions.

5) Momentum is building. WHO’s comprehensive guidance for public health professionals wanting to effectively address the challenges was unveiled at COP 28. Meanwhile, organizations such as Unitaid are vocal about switching to drugs with a lower carbon footprint and decarbonizing supply chains. Switching to newer HIV drugs could reduce the equivalent of the emissions of the city of Geneva over a ten year period.

WHO’s work in climate and health

Track record – WHO has 25 years of supporting countries to cope with the health related impacts of climate change. Read this visual guide to find out more.

Trusted source – WHO knows that health professionals are the best way for many of us to learn how climate change affects our health. In fact, their easy-to-follow, jargon-free guide for communicators is useful for anyone interested in knowing more.

Systematic approach – By 2028, WHO will help countries:

• • reduce their health-related greenhouse gas emissions:
  • develop early-warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases;
  • combine their climate and health forecasting and surveillance;
  • prepare for and respond to climate-driven health emergencies;
  • and work with partners to provide green electricity to 10 000 health facilities.

Invest in health for all

The impact of climate change on health is central to WHO’s Investment Case which sets out its aims for the next four years – to promote, protect and provide healthcare.

WHO estimates that 40 million lives will be saved with a return on investment of US $35 in economic, health and social benefits for every one dollar invested in its work.