According to an April 22 press release, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with the White House, announced a call to action for healthcare stakeholders to commit to tackling the climate crisis through a new initiative that aims to reduce emissions across the healthcare sector.
The release states that “Climate change exacerbates health disparities and private healthcare stakeholders have an opportunity to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate future damage. Federal Health systems are already taking actions to reduce emissions under the leadership of the Biden Administration. This new initiative challenges private health systems to match or exceed these goals and to build climate considerations into the future of healthcare.”
That said, “U.S. hospitals, health systems, suppliers, pharmaceutical companies and other industry stakeholders are invited to submit pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience. The White House plans to host a convening in June to highlight healthcare sector progress in promoting climate actions.”
The pledge, which according to the release is voluntary, asks signees to commit to reducing their organization’s emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and to net zero by 2050 and to report their progress publicly; complete an inventory of Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions; and to develop climate resilience plans for their facilities and communities. Additionally, the pledge asks for a designated executive lead for these initiatives.
“Starting with the establishment of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) in August of 2021, HHS is taking a more active role to address the challenges climate poses to health,” the release adds. “This includes the Administration’s commitment at last November’s United Nations Climate Conference exit disclaimer icon to creating a low-carbon health system. It also includes co-chairing the National Academy of Medicine Action Collaborative on Decarbonizing the U.S. Health Sector exit disclaimer icon, a public-private partnership of leaders from across the health system committed to addressing the sector’s environmental impact while strengthening its sustainability and resilience.”
National climate advisor, Gina McCarthy, was quoted in the release saying that “The healthcare sector contributes 8.5 percent of total U.S. emissions, so they have a big role to play. We are excited for healthcare leaders across the country willing to step up, reduce emissions, and help us reach the President’s bold climate goals.”
Pledge signers can access the forms and find more information on the submission process here. Forms are due June 3, 2022.
