The NHS produces millions of tonnes of waste, and is responsible for 6.3% of England’s total carbon
emissions and 5% of travel in the UK;
What are the top 5 high impact changes that healthcare systems can make as a meaningful contribution
towards mitigating climate change
This topic was proposed by South West Senate Clinicians who requested that the Senate Council consider
the responsibility of the healthcare system to respond to climate change and explore the concept that
climate emergency is a healthcare emergency.
A number of healthcare organisations within England have declared climate emergencies in the last 3
months and NHSEI is expected to publish a climate change action plan imminently. A dual expectation
therefore of these recommendations was that independent clinical advice informing these action plans
would be welcomed and that the South West might be able to establish itself as an early implementer of
those changes identified.