Health care’s climate footprint accounts for nearly 5% of global net emissions and harms public health. Reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement requires ambitious action from the health care sector to do its fair share to reduce its emissions. An emerging body of work examines how health care organizations might reach a goal of net-zero emissions, defined as a state in which the activities within the value chain of a company result in no net impact on the climate from greenhouse gas emissions. While such a challenge may seem daunting, the authors contend that understanding the many reasons why this action is necessary will help strengthen resolve and drive results. The authors demonstrate that the business case for embracing net-zero and other environmental initiatives will benefit the organization, its staff, patients, and community in several ways, from business results to moral well-being, including resilience and financial, clinical, and reputational outcomes.
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