The health sector accounts for almost 5% of all carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. If it were a
country, it would be the fifth largest emitter, and its C02 emissions are more than twice the C02
emissions of the entire airline industry.
A closer look finds that over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the health sector comes
from the supply chain (known as “Scope 3”). Urgent action is needed, and governments are taking
notice. Over forty countries have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the
healthcare sector, including the United States. Given the impacts of the sector’s environmental
footprint on global health, government-run and government reimbursed healthcare facilities have a
moral responsibility to pursue initiatives that not only identify sources of greenhouse gas emissions
from the supply chain, but also find lower emission alternatives. . .
