We’re all working towards a Greener NHS

Now is the time to act

With COP26 taking place this November in Glasgow, the world is more focused on tackling climate change than ever before. It is billed as our last chance, the next decade, to really make a difference to the climate future of our planet. We all need to make changes to how we live and work to keep global warming to within 1.5 degrees.

We know that the links between health and climate change are powerful. Our health literally depends on us having a healthy planet to live on; there is a direct link between the health of our planet and the health of our people. The NHS is acting to reduce the harmful gases it puts into the atmosphere. Fewer emissions will mean fewer patients with asthma, heart disease, and cancer. It will also reduce disruption to  care in the future from the impact of climate change.

NHS England became the first national health provider in the world to commit to Net Zero Carbon in the delivery of care.

They have set a clear deadline, Net Zero Carbon by 2040. We can use COP26 as a leaping off point to really build momentum towards achieving this target.

Leading by example

The Greener NHS programme is celebrating and sharing the amazing work happening all around the NHS. they have created a wonderful photography exhibition at COP26 featuring case studies to inspire and motivate people.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust are proud to be featured as part of this for their work on Care Without Carbon. You can check out the case study featured in the exhibition with a health visitor who does her community visits by electric bike here.

With more and more example of this type of change, together we can reach Net Zero Carbon by 2040.