Delivering greener, more sustainable, net zero mental healthcare

Why is net zero mental healthcare so important?

As a result of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, our climate is changing. In a warmer, more polluted world we are seeing more frequent and intense weather events, drought, wildfires, poor air quality, flooding, the spread of infectious diseases, threats to food and water security, conflict and forced migration. All of these have consequences for both physical and mental health and the stability of local and global economies and communities.

This module, which is based on the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ (n.d.) Net Zero Mental Health Care: Guidance and Education, is for anyone delivering mental healthcare. It provides guidance on how to make tangible changes across service delivery and the mental healthcare pathway. It is everyone’s responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare as part of a wider effort to achieve sustainability and net zero.