Climate, Nature and Pollution Crises- how more sustainable medicines use can make a difference

The climate, nature and pollution crises are the most significant public health threats that modern society has ever faced. There is an ever-increasing demand for healthcare services and the use of a medicine is the most common intervention in healthcare. Medicines account for about 25% of the total carbon emissions within healthcare and they also contribute to environmental pollution of water and soil. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to take a leading role in making medicines use more sustainable whether by preventing ill health, improving prescribing and medicines use, tackling medicines waste or improving ways of working.

Guest edited by Sharon Pfleger (Public Health Directorate, Pharmaceutical Public Health, NHS Highland, UK), this themed collection on Climate, Nature and Pollution Crises brings together the latest research on the role of pharmacy in ensuring a sustainable future for the planet and illustrates the breadth and diversity of recent research in this topical area of practice. It includes the original call for papers editorial, the editorial announcing the collection, papers on the knowledge and awareness of the public and professionals, practical ways in which medication supply can be adapted to reduce negative environmental impact and papers describing how policy can support more sustainable medicine use.