Achieving a low-carbon, climate resilient NHS

The health of people in the UK is being actively impacted by climate change, and this is only set to worsen over the coming years. The Lancet Countdown shows that Europe is facing the fastest changing climate globally. Healthcare contributes 4-6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the aviation industry.  

In response to this, the NHS made the world’s first legally binding commitment to becoming a net zero health system – by 2040 for emissions it controls, and 2045 for emissions it influences. Action has been underway since 2020, but more needs to be done to achieve this goal, requiring transformation at scale to sustainable models of care, with supportive leadership, policy and innovation. At the same time, the NHS must move to protect health and maintain service delivery during heatwaves, floods and storms.

Speakers

• Christopher Gormley, NHS England
• Min Na Eii, Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
• Chris Naylor, Senior Fellow in Health Policy, The King’s Fund
• Hiten Patel, NHS England
• Dr Josephine Sauvage FRCGP, Chief Medical Officer, West and North London Integrated Care Board

Chair

• Sarah Hardy, Programme Lead, The Health Foundation