Economist Impact White Paper: Do No Harm. Healthcare professionals address sustainability and climate change
Focusing on the health impacts of climate change
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated and cured, treatments are smarter and less invasive and solutions are personal.
We understand that human health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet and we are committed to driving improvements across the healthcare system to improve sustainability and protect human and environmental health. That’s why we have sponsored the Economist Impact White Paper – Do No Harm: Healthcare Professionals Address Sustainability and Climate Change.
By shining a light on the health impacts of climate change, how healthcare professionals are responding to climate change and how we can improve the environmental footprint of healthcare systems, we hope to provide insights and education for our company and others about the benefits of climate change action in the healthcare sector.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated and cured, treatments are smarter and less invasive and solutions are personal.
We understand that human health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet and we are committed to driving improvements across the healthcare system to improve sustainability and protect human and environmental health. That’s why we have sponsored the Economist Impact White Paper – Do No Harm: Healthcare Professionals Address Sustainability and Climate Change.
By shining a light on the health impacts of climate change, how healthcare professionals are responding to climate change and how we can improve the environmental footprint of healthcare systems, we hope to provide insights and education for our company and others about the benefits of climate change action in the healthcare sector.
Climate change is creating a health emergency
In order to assess the impact of climate change on healthcare, Economist Impact carried out independent research which comprised three phases.
Firstly, there was literature review of how healthcare systems in France, Germany and the UK are responding to climate change and the role of healthcare professionals (HCPs). This was followed by a survey of 75 doctors and 75 nurses working in hospitals in France, Germany and the UK in February and March 2022. And finally, Economist Impact interviewed experts from government, hospitals, medical professional associations and NGOs to build on the research and shed light on what the survey discovered.
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Firstly, there was literature review of how healthcare systems in France, Germany and the UK are responding to climate change and the role of healthcare professionals (HCPs). This was followed by a survey of 75 doctors and 75 nurses working in hospitals in France, Germany and the UK in February and March 2022. And finally, Economist Impact interviewed experts from government, hospitals, medical professional associations and NGOs to build on the research and shed light on what the survey discovered.
Key findings: Healthcare professionals and climate change
Most respondents believe climate change will moderately or significantly affect the physical (62%) and mental (58%) health of their patients.1
By the numbers
52%
52% of respondents say those living with chronic conditions are at most risk from climate change, followed by the elderly (41%) and those from lower socioeconomic groups (41%).1
13%
13% of respondents saw patients clinically impacted by climate change on a weekly basis in the last year.1
24%
24% of respondents expect to see patients clinically impacted by climate change on a weekly basis, in 10 years’ time.1
Greatest risk comes from heatwaves and air pollution
Hospital doctors and nurses who were interviewed think that heatwaves and air pollution are the major climate change factors contributing to ill health. France, Germany and the UK are susceptible to the extremes of heat, according to a composite score by the Lancet2, which captures proportion of older people (65 plus), those living with chronic disease and the share of the population living in urban areas.
Healthcare professionals want to lead change1
Healthcare systems protect patients but are also major producers of carbon. Emissions need to be addressed across healthcares entire value chain. Globally, the healthcare sector is responsible for 4-5% of greenhouse gas emissions; with the EU healthcare sector contributing 4.7% of the EU’s total emissions.1
Nearly one third (31%) of all HCP respondents said that their hospital had a decarbonisation plan, but without a net-zero target date.1
Many hospital doctors and nurses want to help hospitals reach net-zero, by educating patients, redesigning clinical pathways or taking a leadership role.1
The findings and views expressed in the paper are those of Economist Impact and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Johnson & Johnson. Economist Impact researched and created this white paper and infographic, which was initiated and funded by Johnson & Johnson. Economist Impact retained full editorial control, and Johnson & Johnson reviewed the material for compliance with relevant regulations.
Nearly one third (31%) of all HCP respondents said that their hospital had a decarbonisation plan, but without a net-zero target date.1
Many hospital doctors and nurses want to help hospitals reach net-zero, by educating patients, redesigning clinical pathways or taking a leadership role.1
The findings and views expressed in the paper are those of Economist Impact and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Johnson & Johnson. Economist Impact researched and created this white paper and infographic, which was initiated and funded by Johnson & Johnson. Economist Impact retained full editorial control, and Johnson & Johnson reviewed the material for compliance with relevant regulations.
Read the Report
Learn more about healthcare’s carbon footprint, decarbonisation priorities, the climate crisis’s impact on HCP morale, and much more.
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