Health Care Without Harm

?? Five Principles to Decarbonize Health Systems for Climate Resilience ?? 1?? Integrate decarbonization into climate resilience planning – Low-carbon health systems are not only better for the planet but also more prepared for climate impacts, ensuring long-term sustainability. 2?? Track emissions with a clear methodology – Identifying major emission sources helps prioritize interventions. Use national-level data as a baseline and complement it with facility-level insights where possible. 3?? Assess and improve data availability – A diagnostic analysis can determine what data exists, who controls it, and how to enhance access for effective emission measurement. 4?? Build sustainable capacity within health ministries – Securing funding, developing teams, and investing in training ensures long-term success in reducing healthcare’s carbon footprint. 5?? Set actionable targets and roadmaps – Realistic targets aligned with national climate commitments help drive meaningful change through structured action plans and budgets. By following these principles, health systems can move beyond net zero—cutting emissions while improving health outcomes and system resilience. #SustainableHealthcare #ClimateResilience #HealthcareDecarbonisation #BeyondNetZero #ClimateAction #HealthSystems

The Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution & Health opened yesterday in Cartagena with a powerful call for action. In the opening plenary, Colombia’s Ministry of Health underscored the need for a just transition away from fossil fuels to end the air pollution epidemic. Dr. Arvind Kumar of Health Care Without Harm partner Lung Care Foundation highlighted the urgency of addressing air pollution, which claims over 7 million lives every year. Mafoko Phomane (groundWork, South Africa) and Lujain Alqodmani (EAT Forum) reinforced this message, emphasizing that investments in clean air policies save lives, boost productivity, and create healthier communities. The science is as clear as our skies should be—the time to act is now. More updates to come. #ClearAir4Health #HealthCareClimateAction

?? Big news from Global Green & Healthy Hospitals!??? The?2024 GGHH Network highlights report?is out, celebrating an incredible milestone—over 2,000 members across 87 countries! From?cutting emissions?to?building climate resilience, GGHH members—supported by our regional offices and strategic partners—are leading the way in transforming health care for a healthier planet.?? ?? ?? Explore their achievements & get inspired:? https://lnkd.in/eP4N3vrN And follow the LinkedIn Page to learn more about GGHH and how to become a member! #GGHH #GreenHospitals #SustainableHealthcare #ClimateAction #HealthForPlanet

Every time you drink water, eat food, or just simply breathe, microplastics and nanoplastics are likely entering your body. In a new episode of the Solve for X podcast, Health Care Without Harm Science Advisor Dr. Ted Schettler zeroes in on the tiny bits of plastic waste, explains what we really need to know to protect ourselves and the planet, and explores the question – what will it will take to reimagine a health care sector without plastic? ?? Listen to the episode here ??

The World Health Organization Global Conference on Air Pollution & Health has begun in Cartagena! This week, experts and advocates will discuss solutions to tackle the health and economic crises caused by air pollution. Health Care Without Harm and our partners are here to push for urgent action, connecting clean air with health and economic resilience. We'll be sharing key insights from the WHO Air Pollution Conference in the coming days—stay tuned! #HealthCareClimateAction

We’re proud to highlight three esteemed Health Care Without Harm partners who will be speaking at the World Health Organization Global Conference on Air Pollution & Health! ?? Dr. Arvind Kumar is the Founder and Managing Trustee of the Lung Care Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and improving lung health in India through research, education, and healthcare initiatives. He previously served as the Chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery, and Lung Transplantation at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. Dr. Kumar will speak in the opening plenary, emphasizing the urgent need to address air pollution’s impact on public health and economic stability. Dr. Lujain Alqodmani, a distinguished global health and medical professional, previously served as the President of the World Medical Association (WMA) for 2023-2024. Renowned for her leadership, she has spearheaded WMA initiatives advocating for global healthcare excellence and ethical medical practices worldwide. Dr. Al-Qodmani will discuss how air pollution affects public health and economic stability, increasing healthcare costs and threatening livelihoods. Mafoko Phomane, an Environmental Health Campaigner with groundWork, works to advance environmental justice by collaborating with the health sector and communities to address pollution-related health impacts. A public health professional and researcher with over 15 years of experience in South Africa and Lesotho, she will highlight the devastating health impacts of air pollution and the urgent need for action to protect public health. We’re honored to work alongside these dedicated leaders to advance the cause of clean air for all. Follow us for real-time updates from the conference! ?? #HealthCareClimateAction

Extreme weather puts a massive strain on hospitals and emergency rooms nationwide. For essential hospitals, which serve marginalized and underserved communities, this is an especially urgent concern. A new partnership with America's Essential Hospitals, Oakwell, and #AmericaIsAllIn Coalition Partner Health Care Without Harm strives to help essential hospitals access funds and uncover financing opportunities – like the #InflationReductionAct – to support sustainability and climate-resilient updates. Read more via Island Press ?? https://lnkd.in/ez8qmvEt

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Lujain Alqodmani will be joining us as Health Professional Networks Lead on May 5th! A global health leader and advocate, Lujain brings extensive experience in medical leadership, health policy, and international collaboration. She has held key roles at the World Medical Association, EAT, Women in Global Health, IFMSA, and the Kuwait Medical Association, working to advance health care and sustainability worldwide. We look forward to her leadership in strengthening health professional networks and advancing our mission for a healthier, more sustainable future. Join us in welcoming Lujain to the team!

Health Care Climate Council member and Practice Greenhealth partner AdventHealth has officially flipped the switch?on one of the?largest privately owned solar projects in Florida, marking a major step forward in their commitment to sustainability.?? Learn more about the project ??

?? Together with the #RideForTheirLives initiative and Medihelp Services Clinic, Health Care Without Harm will celebrate Ride for Clean Air on March 24—the official side event of the Second World Health Organization Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health. ?? A bicycle tour to encourage participation, raise awareness, and inspire accelerated action for clean air. The conference will take place March 24-28 in Cartagena, Colombia. Learn more: ?? https://lnkd.in/deMCdSBE #HealthCareClimateAction #HealthyHospitals