The healthcare sector contributed 5.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, up from 4.9% in 2018.1 These emissions come from a variety of sources. Data from England suggest that inhaled anesthetic agents contribute to 2% of total emissions from the healthcare system. In addition, up to 4.2% of a country's waste generation can be attributed to healthcare and operating rooms (ORs) produce approximately 20% of all waste in a hospital. Thus, the field of anesthesia and intensive care has an important role to play in helping countries reduce the carbon footprint of their healthcare systems and protect the future of environmentally sustainable healthcare. The World Health Organization defines an environmentally sustainable health system as one that "would improve, maintain or restore health while reducing negative environmental impacts".
See the statement.
We use cookies to improve your website experience
