Climate change and environmental pollution are increasingly recognized as health issues, not just environmental ones. Heat waves, air pollution, extreme weather, and shifting patterns of infectious disease all affect human health. At the same time, the health care sector itself contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. “Green medicine” or sustainable healthcare refers to efforts to reduce that footprint while maintaining or improving the quality of care. This article explains the connection between health and the environment, what the healthcare sector is doing, and choices individuals can make that benefit both their own health and the planet.
Why the Environment Is a Health Issue
The World Health Organization describes climate change as one of the greatest health threats facing humanity. It affects clean air, safe drinking water, food supply, and secure shelter, and is expected to increase illness and death from heat, undernutrition, and infectious diseases (WHO: Climate Change and Health).
The Lancet Countdown, an annual international report tracking the links between health and climate change, has documented rising heat-related deaths, increasing exposure of vulnerable groups to extreme heat, and growing risks from wildfire smoke and climate-sensitive infections (Lancet Countdown 2024). Air pollution, largely from burning fossil fuels, is also linked to heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and lung cancer.
Healthcare’s Own Environmental Footprint
Hospitals and health systems use large amounts of energy, run around the clock, depend on long supply chains, and generate significant waste. In many high-income countries, the health sector accounts for a notable share of national greenhouse gas emissions.
A detailed carbon footprint assessment of England’s National Health Service found that most emissions came not from buildings but from the supply chain, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and other goods, along with travel and direct energy use (Tennison et al., 2021). The NHS has since set targets to reach net-zero emissions, and other health systems have made similar commitments.
What Sustainable Healthcare Looks Like
Sustainable healthcare aims to reduce environmental harm without compromising patient care. Common strategies include:
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy in hospitals and clinics.
- Reducing waste through better purchasing, reusable equipment where safe, and improved recycling.
- Lower-impact anesthetic gases: some anesthetic gases, such as desflurane, are potent greenhouse gases, and many hospitals are switching to alternatives.
- Inhaler choices: some metered-dose inhalers use propellants with high global warming potential. For suitable patients, clinicians may consider dry-powder inhalers, but any change should be made only with a clinician’s guidance.
- Telehealth when appropriate, which can reduce patient travel.
- Reducing low-value care, such as unnecessary tests and treatments, which benefits patients and the environment.
A key principle is that the most sustainable care is often prevention: keeping people healthy reduces the need for resource-intensive treatment.
What Is “Green Medicine”?
The term “green medicine” is sometimes used loosely to describe herbal or natural remedies. That is a different idea. A remedy being plant-based does not automatically make it safer, more effective, or better for the environment. Some herbal products involve unsustainable wild harvesting, long supply chains, or contamination risks. Evaluating any treatment, natural or conventional, should start with evidence of safety and effectiveness.
Health Choices That Also Help the Planet
Many personal choices offer “co-benefits,” improving individual health while reducing environmental impact.
Active Transportation
Walking or cycling for short trips increases physical activity and reduces vehicle emissions and air pollution. The WHO notes that regular physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression, and anxiety (WHO: Physical Activity). Even replacing a few car trips each week can contribute to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity.
Plant-Forward Eating
Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, with moderate amounts of animal foods, are associated with lower risk of chronic disease and generally have a smaller environmental footprint than diets high in red and processed meat. The WHO’s healthy diet guidance emphasizes these foods (WHO: Healthy Diet). You do not need to become fully vegetarian to benefit; shifting proportions helps.
Reducing Food Waste
Planning meals, storing food properly, and using leftovers save money and reduce the emissions associated with producing food that is never eaten.
Responsible Medicine Use
- Take medicines as prescribed and avoid stockpiling.
- Return unused medicines to take-back programs rather than flushing them, which can pollute waterways.
- Use antibiotics only when needed; overuse drives antimicrobial resistance, a major global health threat (CDC: Antibiotic Use).
- Ask your clinician about lower-carbon options, such as inhaler types, if relevant to you, but never change medication on your own.
Small Steps at Home
Everyday choices at home can also support both health and sustainability. Improving home insulation and ventilation can reduce energy use while making indoor temperatures more comfortable and safer during heat and cold. Choosing tap water over bottled water where it is safe reduces plastic waste. Gardening, even in containers, encourages physical activity and time outdoors, and access to green spaces has been associated with better mental well-being.
Protecting Yourself From Environmental Health Risks
As climate-related risks increase, a few practical steps can protect health:
- During heat waves: stay hydrated, seek cool spaces, check on older neighbors, and avoid strenuous activity in peak heat.
- During poor air quality: check local air quality indexes, limit outdoor exertion, and keep windows closed during wildfire smoke events.
- Know your risk: older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease are more vulnerable.
The Role of Health Professionals
Health professionals are trusted voices and increasingly advocate for policies that protect health from environmental harm, such as clean air standards and support for active transport. Many medical organizations have issued statements recognizing climate change as a health priority.
The Bottom Line
Health and the environment are deeply connected. Climate change and pollution threaten health, and healthcare itself contributes to emissions. Sustainable healthcare focuses on prevention, efficiency, and reducing waste without compromising care. For individuals, many of the healthiest choices, such as walking or cycling, eating more plants, and using medicines wisely, also reduce environmental impact.
Key takeaways:
- The WHO considers climate change a major threat to human health.
- Most of healthcare’s carbon footprint comes from its supply chain.
- “Natural” remedies are not automatically more sustainable or effective.
- Active travel and plant-forward diets benefit both health and the planet.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.