Even before the extreme weather of this summer, health care systems had become increasingly aware that climate change endangers human health. And that the burden disproportionately falls on the elderly, the sick, the poor and communities of color.
What’s less well-known is that the health system itself contributes significantly to climate change. In fact, the U.S. health care system contributes about 8.5% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions — roughly twice as much as health systems in other industrialized countries.
Some hospitals are beginning to address their role in climate change. Others, not so much. And it’s been underreported. There’s plenty you can — and should — write about at the state, federal and local levels. (Here’s the story I wrote for Politico Magazine on the greening of hospitals.)
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