NHS Greener Campaign – Healthier planet, Healthier people
08 November 2021
With COP 26 in the headlines this week, and nations across the globe talking about the crisis of climate change, the NHS have launched a new Greener NHS campaign to empower their staff to do their bit and help build a more sustainable NHS.
- Climate change poses a major threat to our health.
- Air pollution is the single greatest environmental threat to health in the UK, accounting for 1 in 20 deaths.
- Tackling climate change through reducing harmful carbon emissions will improve health and save the lives of many.
- Reducing carbon emissions will mean fewer cases of asthma, cancer and heart disease.
In October 2020, the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to a target of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Thanks to the efforts of staff up and down the country, they have reduced emissions across medicines, transport and hospitals. They have also found lower-carbon ways to care. Since 2010, the NHS has cut its carbon emissions by 30%.
Crucially, many of these changes are already improving care today, as well as the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the public. The actions the NHS is taking are starting to improve health now and for generations to come. But they recognise that they have further to go.
Everyone can do their bit. No matter how small. The more of us who introduce small actions into our everyday routines, the more we can lessen our impact on the environment, and the more we can improve health.
The Greener NHS programme hopes to deliver long-term positive change for the planet and the health of its people.
Be part of that legacy.
Find out more and show your support today by visiting england.nhs.uk/greenernhs or search Greener NHS.
