How can health systems adapt to climate change and reduce their environmental impact?

To effectively adapt to climate change, health systems must embrace sustainable practices and resilience strategies. This includes integrating climate risk assessments into health planning, prioritizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, and promoting eco-friendly waste management practices. Health systems should also focus on building climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing community preparedness, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. By adopting these measures, health systems can safeguard public health while contributing to broader environmental sustainability.

Sustainable infrastructure and practices can help health systems adapt to climate change while reducing their environmental effect. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, energy-efficient technology, and water conservation are some examples of what healthcare facilities can do to reduce their environmental impact. To further lessen the environmental impact of cars, healthcare institutions can encourage their employees and patients to choose active transportation alternatives like walking, cycling, or public transportation. Health systems can lessen their impact on the environment and reduce the risks to public health from climate change by incorporating sustainable practices into their daily operations.

Health systems can adapt to climate change by incorporating climate resilience into planning and operations, assessing risks, and implementing mitigation strategies like renewable energy use and energy efficiency improvements. Training healthcare professionals on climate-related health issues enhances preparedness. Promoting sustainable practices such as waste reduction and eco-friendly procurement reduces environmental impact. Engaging communities in health promotion and disaster preparedness increases resilience, while advocating for policies that address climate change strengthens health systems and protects vulnerable populations.

Health systems can adapt to climate change by implementing sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy use, promoting green transportation, integrating climate resilience into healthcare planning, and educating staff and patients on sustainable practices and health impacts.

First, they should integrate climate risk assessments into their planning and operations to identify vulnerabilities and enhance resilience. This includes upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and improving supply chain management to ensure the availability of essential services during crises. Health systems can promote sustainable practices by reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient technologies, utilizing renewable energy sources, and minimizing waste through recycling and proper disposal of medical products. Collaborating with local governments and organizations on climate action strategies can foster a more comprehensive response to both health and environmental challenges.

Adaptation and resilience are vital for achieving the SDGs by 2030, especially in the face of climate change. Health systems must adapt to protect both people and the environment. By doing so, they not only safeguard progress in health but also contribute to broader goals like poverty eradication and environmental sustainability. Building resilience not only ensures the well-being of communities but also aids in the transition to a low-carbon economy, addressing the interconnected challenges we face today.

In every issue, people are always at the center of the goal, sustainability is no exception. Considering health recovery issues is also an extremely important measure that countries have been paying attention to, this is clearly shown in trying to overcome the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Frankly, sustainability, a long-term factor, and a deeper impact require a strong, profound, capable, resilient medical foundation, and strong support for the activities of humans in the current climate change problem.

Building adaptation and resilience in health is crucial for achieving the SDGs. By addressing climate change impacts, health systems can safeguard well-being, promote sustainability, and support a transition to a low-carbon economy, enhancing overall progress.

Adaptation and resilience in health are crucial for sustainable development because they equip health systems to withstand the increasing impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, heat waves, and emerging diseases. As climate disruptions intensify, communities face heightened risks to health, safety, and economic stability. Resilient health systems can better respond to these challenges by providing consistent care, reducing the burden on resources, and preventing the loss of lives. By investing in adaptation—like emergency preparedness, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-focused training for healthcare workers—health systems become more capable of protecting vulnerable populations.

It ensures that health systems can continue to protect and improve population health despite the challenges posed by climate change. Sustainable development relies on healthy populations, and resilient health systems are crucial for maintaining social well-being, economic stability, and environmental protection.

Health systems must adapt comprehensively to climate change. The adaptation begins with resilient infrastructure. Hospitals and clinics need to be built or retrofitted to withstand extreme weather events. Mental health services must expand to address climate-related anxiety and trauma, while telemedicine can maintain care access during disruptions. Increased investment in climate-health research and education for healthcare professionals is essential. Throughout the adaptation process, special attention must be paid to vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by climate change. By implementing these interconnected strategies, health systems can continue to provide effective care in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Climate change also presents the risk of acute threats to human health by way of increased incidence and intensity of climate induced disaster/extreme events, such as tropical storms. This poses a direct physical threat to people and healthcare infrastructure. Health systems can adapt to this by strengthening its alignment with meteorological early warning systems; training the of healthcare workforce to deal with disaster risk reductions; and designing resilient health facilities that ensure health workforce and the public are safe from disasters, and ensuring access before, during and after these events.

Health systems face dual challenges from climate change. They need to adapt to the health impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and the spread of diseases, while also reducing their own environmental footprint. This can be achieved with: 1. Vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans 2. Implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare facilities 3. Partnering with public health agencies and private entities as well as communities for handling social determinants

Health systems in cities can better adapt to climate change if they adopt a cross_sectoral approach which favours policy coherence with other urban systems specially in regards to public health risks due to extreme heat wave , flooding and other hazards. Building multiple disciplinary teams from different functions of the city is an entry way to coordinate the climate change adaptation of urban health systems with other systems such as urban planning , transportation, infrastructue including water and energy and the building sectors. Policy coherence ensures that adapatation plans work in synchronicity in cities as to avoid wasting ressources or duplicating efforts.

Green construction solutions, green materials, etc. are truly tools to support healthcare in greening. In addition, strong classification of medical waste also makes an important contribution to the recycling process and the development of new recyclable and friendly materials to reduce the impact on the environment. Green energy sources are also increasingly encouraged, prioritized and personalized to enhance value for the entire community.

The best pharmaceutical companies are reducing their environmental impact through several key strategies. They are optimizing manufacturing processes and supply chains, adopting renewable energy sources, and utilizing sustainable materials for packaging. For instance, companies like Abbott have significantly reduced water and energy usage by implementing efficient practices and technologies. Additionally, green chemistry principles are being applied to minimize hazardous chemicals and waste in drug production. These efforts not only help in cutting emissions but also lead to cost savings, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand

Implementing energy-efficient practices in healthcare facilities, such as using renewable energy sources and optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, lowers carbon emissions. Adopting sustainable procurement policies ensures the use of eco-friendly products and reduces waste. Telemedicine and digital health solutions minimize the need for travel, cutting down on carbon emissions. Moreover, promoting recycling, proper waste management, and transitioning to reusable medical supplies and equipment reduce landfill waste. Examples include the Cleveland Clinic's commitment to renewable energy and Kaiser Permanente's sustainable purchasing guidelines, demonstrating effective strategies to mitigate the environmental footprint.

Health systems can lessen their environmental footprint by using green practices and technologies that reduce energy, water, and material usage while limiting waste and emissions. For instance, Costa Rica's public health system has adopted a green and healthy hospital initiative, focusing on renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and green procurement. This initiative has led to notable cost and emission reductions, along with enhanced health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

All healthcare, chemical and pharmaceutical industries should strive to reduce their footprint. They should be more inclined to help countries that are hotspots for emerging diseases, by giving them access to low-cost healthcare, health surveillance and environmental monitoring solutions. Indeed, "One Health" policies are often confronted with a shortage of diagnostics and diagnostic equipment, not to mention vaccines or medicines, in these parts of the world.

In my opinion, the recent COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a typical example of how the health system needs to prevent and respond to global epidemics. It is true for sustainability problems on scales from local, national, continental, and world levels. This is a case study worth learning and incorporating into each place's regular contingency plans

The World Health Organization (WHO) has actively addressed climate-related health challenges through its adaptation frameworks and tools, especially focusing on vulnerable regions like small island developing states. Locally, projects like Kiribati's Healthy Islands Climate Adaptation Project demonstrate resilience by improving essential areas such as water and food security, alongside disaster readiness. These efforts highlight how both global and community-level initiatives can empower populations to tackle climate impacts on health, fostering adaptation and resilience in diverse settings.

Practical examples of adaptation and resilience in healthcare include establishing early warning systems for climate-related health threats, developing action plans to protect vulnerable populations, and integrating climate change considerations into public health policies and programs.

In urban setting _ be it a city, town or rural setting such as villages , health is directly linked to urban and regional planning. As localities develop their resilience and adaptation plans, health is a significant pillar for preparedness , sustained livelihoods, disaster managment and also recovery . One of the good examples of health adaptation and resilience is ensuring phsyical accessibility to facilities through integration with public transport or alternative mobility options in times of crisis. Also, adopting sustainable mobility options for healthcare professionals to come to their assigned health facility ensures their contrinution to the reduction of green house emissions.

Challenges also include climate change and health system disparities. Environmental shifts increase exposure, and economic instability further exacerbates vulnerabilities, limiting healthcare infrastructure and preparedness resources. Opportunities lie in advancing digital technology, public health interventions, and policy frameworks. Fostering cross-sector collaboration, public-private partnerships, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure offer pathways for long-term sustainability in global health. Stronger political commitment and leadership can create an enabling environment for health systems to take bolder action.

Each country's health system has its own challenges. In some places it will be funding, in other places it will be human resources and facilities. In my opinion, above all, overcoming all difficulties is that we always have a progressive spirit, considering the mission of human health care as one of the important missions associated with sustainable activities. solid. Because we cannot live independently from the environment but are completely an inevitable part of nature.

The consolidation of health systems and management by private equity firms has resulted in a health system that is overtaxed in many communities, and lacking in services in others. We need to move to a remote first approach to non-emergency healthcare. Anything that can be done remotely should be done remotely. This will allow triage to be done by underutilized health providers and reduce boarding at major hospitals that are overloaded. Additionally, doing this as part of an overall health strategy will increase the number of interactions with patients who might otherwise avoid appointments based on travel challenges. Ultimately this will result in a more resilient health care system with better health outcomes.

Adaptation and resilience in health encounter challenges like insufficient data, limited financing, weak governance, competing priorities, and cultural barriers. However, opportunities exist, such as utilizing climate action co-benefits for health, promoting multi-sectoral collaboration, fostering innovation and learning, and securing political commitment and leadership. Addressing these challenges while leveraging opportunities can strengthen health systems, enabling them to adapt effectively and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Encourage the use of green transportation methods for healthcare staff & patients. This could include providing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at healthcare facilities, promoting public transport options, and implementing bike-to-work schemes. At a health network in Dubai, a "green commute" initiative was launched, that offers incentives for employees who use public transport or cycle to work, resulting in a significant reduction in the network's overall transport emissions. Implement water-saving technologies & practices in healthcare facilities to reduce water consumption and manage wastewater effectively. Technologies such as low-flow faucets, waterless sanitizing options, and efficient landscaping are essential.

In my experience working in sustainable development. So it’s time ??? we think out of the box. The technology has been used in e health and hospital and medical services are now also online and available to patients. Then Estonia ???? has developed a system in which patients can receive medical care and treatment via mobile phones ?? and if it’s emergency medical services need the person goes to the hospital ??. Perhaps this has positive effects on the health and wellbeing also positive effects on climate change and its impact the world economy and global sustainable development. Indeed this is a good article and topics highlighted by Linkedin (Thank You! )

Health is Wealth. Therefore, as part of the global Triad Principle of Sustainable Development - Environmental Stewardship, Economic Prosperity, and Social Justice, Health must be an Integral Part of the Humanity, Flora, and Fauna on this Planet Earth, not only for the Current but more importantly for the Future Generations. Therefore, Health must be considered and promoted as the basic Human as well as other Creatures’ Basic Rights and Privileges. Cheers. Dr. Arun Jhaveri, Senior Energy/Climate/Sustainability Advisor in Seattle/USA@206-920-4851(cell)