The expanding role of prescribers in delivering a greener NHS

The climate crisis is arguably the greatest health challenge of the 21st century, with profound implications for the delivery, sustainability and equity of healthcare. In the UK, medicines account for approximately a quarter of NHS carbon emissions, positioning prescribers as central to national climate mitigation efforts. This article explores the environmental impact of medicines across their life cycle and reviews the strategic, clinical and policy initiatives that support sustainable prescribing. It highlights the key principles of sustainable clinical practice, national programmes, antimicrobial stewardship, reducing inappropriate polypharmacy, low-carbon clinical alternatives, digital innovation and the growing importance of social prescribing and patient self-care.