HHS Relaunched Health Sector Climate Pledge

In March 2023, the United States HHS announced plans to relaunch the Health Sector Climate Pledge, proposed by the White House in 2022. According to the press release, the healthcare sector accounts for 8.5% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.

A 2022 analysis by the Commonwealth Fund explained that hospital care is the most significant driver of healthcare carbon emissions in the US, accounting for 36% of emissions in that sector. Clinical or physician services and prescription drugs account for 12% and 10%, respectively.

With plans by the Biden administration to reduce national emissions by 50–52% in 2030, healthcare organizations must do their part to minimize emissions. Beyond reductions in 2030, the Biden administration also hopes to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Shortly after the initial announcement in 2022, healthcare organizations representing 837 facilities signed the pledge. “In addition to hospitals, these stakeholders include health centers, suppliers, insurance companies, group purchasing organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and more,” noted the HHS in the press release.

The pledge includes the following commitments:

1. Reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2030 and net zero by 2050, based on a baseline from 2008.
2. Appoint an executive leader to reduce emissions throughout this year and analyze supply chain emissions by the end of 2024.
3. Develop and share plans for climate resilience, accounting for the communities disproportionately affected by climate change.

According to the most recent HHS press release, the organization will recognize any healthcare facilities or companies that sign the initiative by April 12 in an Earth Day announcement. Additionally, any organization that signs the pledge by November 1, 2023, will be acknowledged in a statement near the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of climate change, leading to astronomical health complications. Climate change has been linked to higher rates of zoonotic disease, allergies, exacerbated asthma levels, increased cancer incidence, and heat-related illnesses. Considering the link between greenhouse gas emissions and healthcare complications healthcare institutions must work toward more sustainable practices.