Effectiveness of greenhouse gas mitigation intervention for health-care systems: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective To identify evidence-based interventions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in health-care systems in low- and middle-income countries and explore potential synergies from these interventions that aid climate change adaptation while mitigating emissions. Methods We systematically searched 11 electronic databases for articles published between 1990 and March 2023. We assessed risk of bias in each article and graded the quality of evidence across interventions in health-care operations, energy and supply chains. Findings After screening 25 570 unique records, we included 22 studies published between 2000 and 2022 from 11 countries across six World Health Organization regions. Identified articles reported on interventions spanning six different sources of emissions, namely energy, waste, heating and cooling, operations and logistics, building design and anaesthetic gases; all of which demonstrated potential for significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, cost savings and positive health impacts. The overall quality of evidence is low because of wide variation in greenhouse gas emissions measuring and reporting. Conclusion There are opportunities to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from health-care systems in low- and middle-income countries, but gaps in evidence were identified across sources of emissions, such as the supply chain, as well as a lack of consideration of interactions with adaptation goals. As efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas intensify, rigorous monitoring, evaluation and reporting of these efforts are needed. Such actions will contribute to a strong evidence base that can inform policy-makers across contexts.