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Greener Sustainable General Practice
The climate emergency poses a major threat to human health as well as the health of our planet.
Widening inequalities and growing pressures on the health and care system have prompted questions about the role and responsibility of large public sector organizations in tackling the wider determinants of health. The population most impacted by health inequalities are often the most impacted by climate breakdown and poor air quality.
Reducing harmful carbon emissions will improve health and save lives.
Currently, the NHS accounts for 4-5% of UK carbon emissions with 23% of NHS carbon emissions generated in primary care. In 2020, the NHS set ambitious aims to deliver a Zero Net National Health Service, reducing emissions controlled directly by the NHS by 2040, and for emissions influenced by the NHS by 2045.
Grand Union Health Centre is delighted to be signed up to the Green Impact for Health Toolkit.
We are actively taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint to help enhance the health of today's population without compromising the health of future generations and operate within the sustainable boundaries of the planet. Fortunately, most of the solutions for the planet also make our health better - for example - eating a mainly plant-based diet, engaging in active travel and exercise in nature, avoiding smoking, reducing pollution etc. These all enhance our health and reduce our need for medications, with further benefits to the NHS, your health and the carbon footprint of healthcare.
Published: Mar 17, 2024