How Should We Respond to Health Care Generating Environmental Harm?

Abstract

Clinicians and organizations in the health sector have healing missions, and physicians, specifically, take oaths to "do no harm." Yet, paradoxically, health care operations contribute to pollution and exacerbate environmental disease burden. This article offers a view of how health sector actions exacerbate climate warming and iatrogenically harm global public health and argues that clinicians and organizations have ethical responsibilities to respond.The American Medical Association designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available through the AMA Ed Hub TM . Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses’ Environmental Practices in Northern Peruvian Hospitals

“…The worldwide healthcare industry consumes an average of $5.3 billion of non-renewable energy per year and 13 kg of waste produced per bed per day (Cook et al, 2019). Even though major improvements in environmental practices must be part of a national policy and institutional commitment, professional nurses and other staff are likely to play important roles within healthcare settings (Collins & Demorest, 2022; Demorest et al, 2019). The healthcare sector often relies on non-renewable energy sources, which leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared with alternative renewable energies; use of green energies should be promoted, while maintaining energy conservation processes and striving to be as energy efficient as possible (Saleem et al, 2022).…”

“…Hospitals produce many types of solid, chemical, and hazardous waste materials. The relationship between clinical services and these characteristics determines a hospital’s environmental impact, and the health risks posed to employees, patients, and the general population (Collins & Demorest, 2022; Corvalan et al, 2020). However, nurses can be essential change agents within the healthcare system through the promotion of green activities that favor the planet, which is a role recognized across nursing scholarship (Cook et al, 2019; Schenk, Potter, et al, 2021; Terry et al, 2019).…”

Climate and Health

“…Hospitals generate 20 lb of waste per patient each day, equating to 5 million tons of waste annually 8. To avoid further harm, health care professionals have an ethical responsibility to take actions that reduce waste in health care and mitigate climate change 9. Collins and Demorest9 provide some tangible examples of how to operationalize climate-friendly practices in health care settings.…”

“…To avoid further harm, health care professionals have an ethical responsibility to take actions that reduce waste in health care and mitigate climate change 9. Collins and Demorest9 provide some tangible examples of how to operationalize climate-friendly practices in health care settings. For example, health care professionals can reduce energy waste, minimize single-use disposable items, and expand telehealth services across all health settings.…”