Video shows way to low-carbon lifestyle

Health services make up a huge part of every developed country’s economy with a massive carbon footprint, so when you identify a way to cut emissions, save money and improve public health at the same time it’s of global interest.

So we’re delighted that the UK Foreign Office has posted a news video about Fit for the Future, our new report, which looks at a range of scenarios for future health services and gives guidance on how to create a more efficient, low-carbon system which delivers better public health.

The report focuses on the UK National Health Service, but we believe it holds lessons for every health service provider. It was jointly produced by Forum for the Future and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit, and will be sent to every NHS organisation.

In the video, filmed at the launch of the report, Neil McKay, the NHS Chief Executive with lead responsibility for sustainable development and Jonathon Porritt, founder director of the Forum, discuss the urgency of action and what the NHS needs to do to deliver low-carbon healthcare.

Health spending accounts for 16% of the US economy and 8.4% in the UK, according to an OECD survey. Across developed countries the average is 8.9% of GDP – and activities on that scale generate a massive carbon footprint.

The NHS is responsible for 18 million tonnes of CO2 each year which comes from various activities: energy used to power its hospitals; making and delivering medicines, equipment and other goods it uses; and staff, patient and visitor travel.

The World Health Organisation recently called for the health sector to take the lead in cutting emissions. "By reducing its climate footprint and moving toward carbon neutrality, the health sector can demonstrate the path forward in this age of global warming, thereby playing a leadership role in advocating for a healthy and sustainable future," said Maria Neira, Director of WHO's Department of Public Health and Environment.