Climate change threatens global health. The WHO and the Lancet Commission have repeatedly stated that it poses the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. But there is potential for improvement.

Healthcare is a major contributor to CO2 emissions, with the climate footprint of healthcare accounting for just over 6% of the total climate footprint in Denmark. The largest footprint comes from clinical activity, including medical devices and medications in general practice. Medicine accounts for almost a quarter of the total CO2 emissions in the healthcare sector, according to a calculation by the National Health Service in the UK. Some medicines are more climate-friendly than others. For example, the carbon footprint of a metered dose inhaler is significantly higher than that of a similar dry powder inhaler. However, there is little knowledge on engagement and barriers to sustainable transition in general practice.

Focusing on non-medical prescriptions, including nature-based health interventions, may be a sustainable, climate-friendly, and patient-safe alternative to traditional medicine. However, there is a lack of research in this area. At the Research Unit for General Practice in Aarhus, two researchers are dedicated to research on making general practice more green and sustainable. The group collaborates with several national and international researchers in the field.

Read the interview with Nanna Holt Jessen under ‘Meet the researcher’. She is also part of ‘Green Practice’ under the Danish College of General Practitioners.