Course ANHE West: Planetary Health - Applied Solutions for Health Care: A conversation with Beth Schenk, PhD, RN

Humanity is facing unprecedented environmental challenges with global warming, biodiversity loss, exposure to microplastics, air, water and soil pollution. These impact human health, especially for those who are more vulnerable, exposed, or less represented in decision making. Unintentionally, modern health care is contributing to the problem. Health care in the United States is responsible for 8.5% of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, and health care around the world is responsible for 4.5% of global emissions.
Health care has a long history of creative solutions, innovation, and commitment. Using these skills, health care has opportunities to be less polluting, less wasteful, and less consumptive while building resilience, committed to its principles of justice and service. In short, health care can transform itself to be a force for healing not only of the individuals and families we care for, but of our common home, Earth.
Using a planetary health lens, Dr. Schenk discusses environmental challenges health care professionals and organizations face, sharing effective solutions tested in one of the nation’s largest health systems.