Climate Change: Time for Hospitals to Respond

Alarm bells are sounding internationally as climate change impacts planet Earth and its inhabitants. Health care organizations must consider the role they play in working toward environmental sustainability in terms of mitigation, resilience, leadership, and equity. Institutions need to address the effects of climate change on the physical health and mental well-being of patients and their families as well as employees. Awareness of the complexities of sustainability initiatives and disaster management related to inclement weather and weather-related events is critical for health care organizations to avoid precipitating the illnesses and diseases they endeavor to prevent and heal.