Climate change is a long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns. The United Nations states that since the late 18th century, human activities - primarily the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas - have been the primary cause of climate change. Across the different sectors, the greenhouse effect is most prominent which forms a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun's heat and raising temperatures. According to the UN, clearing of land and deforestation is responsible for increased carbon dioxide levels in the environment. The main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emission are energy, transport, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and high land use. The healthcare industry is the largest source of greenhouse gasses, accounting for almost 5% of global greenhouse emissions. This chapter reviews the theories and models proposed by national and international organizations like United Nations and World Health Organization to explore and explain the impact of hospitals on climate change and the short-term and long-term impact on sustainability.
TopIntroduction
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Since the late 18th century, human activities - primarily the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas - have been the primary cause of climate change (UN, n.d.). The greenhouse effect is most prominent which forms a blanket wrapped around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures. The gasses which are linked with climate change include carbon dioxide and methane which are emitted due to gasoline combustion in vehicles or coal burning for multiple purposes. According to the UN, clearing of land and deforestation is responsible for increased carbon dioxide levels in the environment. The main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emission are energy, transport, construction, agriculture, healthcare and high land use (UN, n.d.).
The climatic changes are very gradual but have a long lasting impact on living beings, environment and business. Many diseases are linked to climate change especially in vulnerable populations in low- and middle- income countries. The rise in temperature has a long term impact on the sustainable aspects of the environment and society. Sustainable life refers to a lifestyle that aims to reduce the negative impact on the environment while maintaining a balance with social and economic well-being (Sustainable lifestyles, 2023). A focus on sustainability refers to the conscious choices with a long-term effect on the planet and future generations.
Figure 1: Impact of climate change on health
As shown in figure 1, climate change affects human health by altering exposures to heat waves, floods, droughts, and other extreme events; vector-, food- and waterborne infectious diseases; changes in the quality and safety of air, food, and water; and stresses to mental health and well-being. (WHO, 2021). Climate change also affects human health by changing the severity, duration, or frequency of health problems and by creating unprecedented or unanticipated health problems or health threats in places or populations where they have not previously occurred (Balbus et al., 2016a). There is a tremendous opportunity for economic growth by supporting sustainable businesses and necessitates a shift in mindset towards responsible consumption and responsible production. It requires individuals to rethink their choices and make decisions that align with sustainability goals.
WHO defines Quality of Life as an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns (WHO, 2012) and Health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The concept of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and its determinants have evolved since the 1980s to encompass those aspects of overall quality of life that can be clearly shown to affect health—either physical or mental. On the individual level, HRQOL includes physical and mental health perceptions (e.g., energy level, mood) and their correlates - including health risks and conditions, functional status, social support, and socioeconomic status (CDC, 2001). At the community level, HRQOL includes community-level resources, conditions, policies, and practices that influence a population’s health perceptions and functional status (Rodríguez-Artalejo et al., 2005). Adopting a sustainable lifestyle can have a significant impact on the HRQOL (WHO, 2023). Sustainable practices involve 3Rs that includes Reduce, Reuse and Recycle like, reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and using environmentally friendly products can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. This is further linked to improvement of social well-being and creating balanced communities.