Healthcare Sector Urged to Adopt Climate-Friendly Practices to Reduce Emissions
A recent analysis published in Health Affairs highlights the significant contribution of the U.S. healthcare sector to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 9% of the national total. The report suggests that the sector can address its climate footprint through various strategies, including adopting value-based reimbursement models that align financial incentives with decarbonization goals. The analysis emphasizes the need for mandatory emissions-reduction targets and transparent reporting to avoid greenwashing and ensure meaningful progress. It also recommends that healthcare systems leverage their purchasing power to demand emissions disclosures from suppliers and adopt circular economy principles to reduce waste.