The Health of the Climate is as Important as Human Health

 

*Manoj Sundarka,

*Clinician & Environmentalist, Kent, England

Introduction

In recent years, we have observed a significant shift in how we perceive and interact with our environment. Initially, our focus was on daily development and the allure of modernization. However, on the flip side, we are now witnessing rapid climate changes and global warming, which have a worldwide impact. These developments prompt us to reconsider our current practices. Rising atmospheric temperatures, loss of biodiversity, and rapid climate change certainly impact our health, wealth, living, and surroundings. Evidence suggests that we must reassess and potentially alter our actions to protect our planet and its living organisms, including humans. Climate scientists urge limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2040 to avoid catastrophic consequences [1].

The purpose of this brief note is to raise awareness, assuming the reader is acquainted with various terminologies used in the subject of global warming, climate change, and carbon footprints. We might question how a single person could help such a vast planet. One can argue that the problems have been caused by heavy industries, transportation, deforestation, etc., not by individuals. However, even small changes can make a difference. So, it is crucial for every individual to be willing to change their practices. Governments and global policymakers have a vital role in implementing sustainable and meaningful changes, even if they are small steps. Current annual global CO2 emissions stand at approximately 40 gigatonnes, a huge poisonous load to the climate [1].

Role of Health Professionals

The question is, how much can the medical fraternity contribute to addressing this problem? The answer is significant. In the health industry, several strategies can help to reduce carbon emissions and their impact on the environment. These include minimizing unnecessary prescriptions, cutting down on general and medical waste, reducing electricity consumption, sharing transportation among patients and health professionals, decreasing the frequency of hospital visits, and limiting the use of disposables by opting for reusable items where possible. Such measures could lead to a substantial reduction in carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions. After all, how can we imagine achieving good health when our climate is becoming increasingly ill? Recently, the GMC in the UK has provided guidance to reduce carbon emissions.

In my view, there are seven things a doctor or a health professional can do [2]:

  1. Practice Evidence-Based Medicine: Focus on clinical medicine to minimize unnecessary tests and interventions.
  2. Prescribe Wisely: Keep prescriptions short, clear, and non-invasive whenever possible.
  3. Promote Sustainable Transport: Walk, cycle, or use shared transport to get to work, and encourage your patients to do the same where appropriate.
  4. Adopt Hybrid Consultation Models: Utilize hybrid models to reduce the number of in-person visits.
  5. Use Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for reusable food and drink containers, plant-based foods, and consider returning to cotton handkerchiefs.
  6. Conserve Energy: Turn off electricity, equipment, PCs, laptops, and vehicles when not in use.
  7. Raise Awareness: Be proactive in raising awareness, declaring your commitment, and motivating others.

Over the last 3-4 decades, clinicians have gradually shifted away from the holistic art of clinical medicine towards a more rapid, investigative approach with a focus on diagnostic conclusions and sometimes impatient interventions. It is time to reconsider this trend and reduce interventions that could help lower our carbon footprint. Patient safety is the priority; one should not stop any necessary action that has to be taken in the best interest of the patient. Walking or cycling not only benefits our health but can also be encouraged among patients. Such practices can aid in managing chronic diseases and contribute positively to our environment. A few simple examples are changing metered dose inhalers to powder ones, reviewing anaesthetic gases, and reducing the use of nitrous oxide in practice. The old fashion of keeping a handkerchief is useful; it can be used anywhere, it reduces cross-infection, can serve as masks in emergencies, and is cost-effective.

Adopting a plant-based diet is another effective measure. Researchers estimate we need about 7% of the planet’s land mass to sustain the global population of approximately eight billion people. Currently, 38% of the land mass is being used for large non-vegetarian food practices, generating more carbon load [1].

Every activity we engage in produces a carbon footprint, whether directly or indirectly. Therefore, each positive step, such as reducing energy consumption and switching to more efficient energy sources like solar and wind, is valuable. Remember the golden rule: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Our goal is to do good and spread the correct message. As clinicians and health professionals, you have strong community ties and a trusted voice, and your advocacy can have a significant impact.

Figure 1. Showing the global temperature change since 1850, it’s rapidly getting worse.

Source: #ShowYourStripes.info [3]

National and International Awareness

Climate change, global warming, carbon footprints, net-zero targets, and carbon offsetting are frequently discussed at both national and international meetings. Various strategies, programs, and incentives are being implemented to address these critical issues. Different regions and countries have set targets to reduce or balance their carbon emissions. Powerful tools and ongoing research aim to meet these demands.

The technique that is most frequently surfacing to counter this problem is CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). This involves capturing CO2, usually from large industrial sources. It necessitates an additional step post-capture: the sequestration of the captured CO2. This involves compressing the CO2 and injecting it under pressure into depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs, both subaquatic and terrestrial [4]. An alternative approach is the permanent sequestration of CO2, either subterranean or at the surface, via an accelerated mineral carbonation process [4]. This technology can be useful for existing power, industrial plants and large medical institutions, allowing their continued operation. It is promising and could play a crucial role in achieving global net-zero targets. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates the need at approximately 10 gigatonnes of net CO2 removal per year [5].

Funded by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation, XPRIZE Carbon Removal encourages researchers and institutions to tackle the biggest threats of climate change. A prize of $100 million has been announced for the winner. To win the prize, teams must demonstrate CO2 removal at the 1000-tonne per year scale. The competition is the largest incentive prize in history, marking an extraordinary milestone [5]. It is encouraging to see awareness and steps toward meaningful change.

References

[1] Sundarka MK, Tushar S, Yamini S. Carbon and Climate: Is There a Serious Link? JAPI, 2024 article accepted for publication (Jan 2024)-in press now.

[2] Slater M, Bartlett S. 10 things a doctor can do to combat climate change. BMJ. 2022 Nov 9;o2650.

‌[3] Analytics) MK (Institute for E. Show Your Stripes [Internet]. showyourstripes.info. Available from: https://showyourstripes.info

[4] Home [Internet]. Clean Air Tech. Available from: https://www.clean-air-tech.com/

‌[5] XPRIZE Carbon Removal [Internet]. XPRIZE. Available from: https://www.xprize.org/prizes/carbon removal‌