“Reflections from the UN General Assembly: Addressing Climate Change in Healthcare”
This past month, the United Nations General Assembly in New York was a platform for world leaders to address the pressing issue of climate change. As a UN Liaison for Sigma Nursing, Janice Hawkins had the opportunity to witness the discussions firsthand. Climate change was a central concern, with leaders from various countries highlighting the detrimental effects such as heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding.
One of the side events Janice attended focused on Sustainable Surgical Systems and Planetary Health, with Prime Minister Bainimarama of Fiji expressing his worries about sea level rise. Fiji has experienced a significant rise in sea levels at a rate of 0.2 inches per year since 1993, rendering parts of the country uninhabitable due to coastal flooding.
The healthcare industry, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is also being urged to adopt more sustainable practices. Surgical services, in particular, consume 3-6 times more energy than other hospital operations. Organizations like Smile Train and KidsOR are leading the way by introducing solar-powered operating rooms in Africa, reducing carbon emissions and improving patient safety.
In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Janice and her team at Sigma Nursing have published an A-Z list of suggestions for reducing carbon emissions in healthcare. Simple initiatives such as creating sustainability teams, powering down workstations, and prioritizing eco-friendly anesthetic gases can make a significant impact.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change as a top global priority. It is crucial for citizens and countries worldwide to come together in the fight against this pressing issue.
About the author:
Janice Hawkins, PhD, RN, CNS-BC, is a Clinical Associate Professor at Old Dominion University and a Climate for Health Ambassador. She serves as a Sigma United Nations Liaison in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council, working to promote climate engagement among healthcare professionals. Janice can be reached at [email protected].