Is climate change impacting your business?
Monday 24th June 2024
The correlation between people’s health and their environment is a significant factor, as highlighted by a speaker at the Big Zero Show.
Wendy Cheeseman, the Head of Sustainability at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, conveyed a powerful message during the recent Big Zero Briefing. She emphasised that for healthcare professionals who genuinely care about people, their concern naturally extends to the environment and its impact on individuals.
According to Wendy, the intertwined nature of health and net zero is undeniable. She stated, “If you’re a healthcare professional and if you care about people, you invariably care about the environment as well and the impact that has on people. So the biggest determinant of people’s health is the environment in which they live. We have a saying in the NHS that lower emissions equal lower admissions.”
She further added, “We absolutely understand that any decision we make today and any carbon that we pump out into the environment will impact the health of the populations that we serve locally, nationally and globally.”
Research from Carbon Brief reveals that healthcare in the world’s largest economies contributes to 4.4% of global CO2 emissions. Additionally, the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change has issued a warning about the severe impact of climate change on human health, labelling it as the major threat of the 21st century.
In response to these challenges, the NHS has declared its commitment to becoming the world’s first net zero national health service. The goal is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% between 2028 and 2032.
The proactive steps taken by the NHS are commendable and set a positive example for other healthcare providers worldwide. By embracing sustainability and prioritising net zero initiatives, the NHS is not only safeguarding the environment but also enhancing the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
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