Health

Health and its relationship with the environment can be observed from a variety of angles. Changing weather and air composition increase our vulnerability to zoonotic, respiratory, and cardiological diseases. Additionally, the medical services responding to increasing health crises are highly polluting in their material production and disposal. While efforts have been put towards reducing energy demand in healthcare facilities, improving medical tool production and waste is in the early stages of development. 

Stockholm Environment Institute - An international non-profit organization that provides open access resources (data, academic journals…) in order to “connect science and decision making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all”. 

On-Site Waste Technologies - On-site waste technologies are dedicated to reducing the impact of medical waste on the environment. They develop and promote technologies that can be incorporated in the medical sector too, for example, sterilizing syringes to be placed in the regular waste or taking in medical waste to dispose of correctly. 

The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care - A coalition of healthcare workers collaborating to promote environmental consciousness in healthcare facilities, in governmental and nongovernmental organizations as well as on an individual level. The coalition also provides a range of educational resources and opportunities to help individuals and businesses change their practices. 

Global Green and Healthy Hospitals - “GGHH brings together hospitals, health systems, and health organizations from around the world under the shared goal of reducing the environmental footprint of the health sector and contributing to improved public and environmental health.”

Health Risks due to Climate Change (2020) - General overview of how the effects of climate change, including fluctuating weather patterns or land-use changes, will directly and negatively impact human health. Additionally includes an accessible explanation of adaptation vs mitigation and how they can be implemented in a healthcare context. 

Mosquito-Borne Diseases + Climate Change (2019) - Article which explains how warming temperatures as a result of anthropogenic climate change can increase the presence of zoonotic diseases, focusing on the increasing patterns and impacts of mosquito-borne diseases.