From policy to practice: building a resilient, climate aware health system from the ground up

Abstract There is a complex relationship between health systems, climate change, and human health. Health systems produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions every time a patient receives care. This contributes to climate change and potentially damages human health, thereby increasing health system usage. To break this cycle, countries need to develop low-carbon, climate-resilient health systems. This perspective examines the laws, policies, and actions that can facilitate the transition to this future-proofed health system. Improved metrics about current levels of GHG emissions to identify high-emitting healthcare sectors and create benchmarks will facilitate monitoring and mitigating GHG emissions. More effective policies on mandatory reporting and standards, the development of integrated systems and the use of economic evaluations are required. Health systems themselves will need to become more climate-resilient, adapted to current and future climate change impacts. Effective policies need to be continuously developed and refined for workforce planning, infrastructure development and data sharing to build more effective early warning systems. More targeted and sustained investment in research, implementation and evaluation, and multisector collaboration would enable better dissemination and implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies. In addition, embracing a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, underway in some countries, can provide co-benefits thereby protecting human health, the environment, and health systems. Setting and adhering to international guidelines would provide stability for organisations to invest in climate-friendly development and production. Sharper targeting of international funding will foster the development of climate-resilient health systems in lower resource settings.