What is your research area?

I am responsible for the focus area "Green practice - a sustainable approach to general practice". I am also part of the research group MOVE, where I investigate the beneficial effects of physical activity. My particular focus is training in nature, but I am also engaged in nature-based interventions for improving the mental health. In addition, I am involved in 'Green Practice' under the Danish College of General Practitioners (DSAM), and we focus on green transition in general practice.

I am responsible for the focus area "Green practice - a sustainable approach to general practice". In addition, I am part of the research group MOVE, where I investigate the beneficial effects of physical activity in nature and how to "prescribe nature". I am currently part of the management team on a project investigating mechanisms of action, measurement tools and implementation strategies for nature-based health interventions targeting people with stress, anxiety and depression. The project is interdisciplinary with collaborators across the country. In addition, I am involved in 'Green Practice' under the Danish College of General Practitioners (DSAM), and we focus on green transition of general practice at a national level. I am also part of the working group that has developed a sustainability policy for the Danish College of General Practitioners.

Why is it important to investigate this topic?

General practice can help reduce the environmental footprint of the healthcare system if we are conscious of our choices. According to the WHO, climate change will become the greatest health threat in the 21st century. Medicine is one of the biggest carbon culprits, and most medications are prescribed in general practice. We must act on that. Perhaps it is possible to choose a more sustainable alternative.

Which efforts could create change?

We lack knowledge in the area, especially about which initiatives are suitable for general practice. The Central Denmark Region has established the Centre for Sustainable Hospitals, which is a joint centre for all hospitals in the region, to support green transition in the hospitals. We cooperate with this hospital-based centre, but there is no equivalent for general practice.

How can nature affect health?

Several studies indicate that nature is beneficial for both the physical and the mental health. In England and several other countries, they work with the concept of 'green prescribing'. It can be defined as a type of 'prescription' from the health sector for a nature-based activity in a social community. This activity can benefit the individual's health and wellbeing, but at the same time it aligns with the global demand for sustainable solutions.

How is this linked with your interest in 'going green'?

If we start early with preventive sustainable interventions for people who are at risk of developing disease or who have already developed disease, it can potentially help reduce the consumption of medicines, which have a negative impact on the climate and the environment. In this way, we can improve public health and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is your most important message?

Sustainability should have more focus in general practice. 'Nature on prescription' has the potential to improve public health. It can have a beneficial effect on the individual, but it can also help to reduce clinical activity and medicine consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In Green Practice, we have published two 'green tips' that describe how a practice can operate more sustainably. In addition, we have published an article on "the climate-friendly clinic" in the Doctor's Handbook, which is intended to motivate and provide concrete advice on how to get started. Small steps are the way forward.