Climate change poses a significant threat to global health. Both the World Health Organization and The Lancet Commission have identified climate change as the greatest health challenge of the 21st century. Yet, there remains considerable potential for positive change.

Healthcare contributes substantially to carbon emissions. In Denmark, the healthcare sector accounts for just over 6% of the country’s total carbon footprint, with the largest share stemming from clinical activities – particularly the use of medical devices and pharmaceuticals in general practice. According to the UK National Health Service, medicines alone account for nearly a quarter of the total CO₂ emissions from the healthcare sector. Some treatments are notably more climate-friendly than others; for instance, the carbon footprint of a metered dose inhaler is far higher than that of a comparable dry powder inhaler. Yet, there is limited knowledge about how general practice can engage in a sustainable transition.

Exploring non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as nature-based health initiatives, may offer a climate-conscious, sustainable and safe alternative to traditional medical treatments. However, research in this field remains limited.

At the Research Unit for General Practice in Aarhus, a research group is focusing on developing more green and sustainable approaches to general practice. The group collaborates with national and international partners to advance research in this emerging area.

Read the interview with Nanna Holt Jessen under ‘Meet the Researcher'. She is also a member of ‘Green Practice’ under the Danish College of General Practitioners.