Carbon footprint of gastroenterology practice

The healthcare sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,1 contributing to global warming and thereby to the harm of current and future generations. It is therefore a moral obligation for us as physicians to reduce the environmental impact of our practice. The GHG Protocol classifies emissions into three ‘scopes’ (figure 1). Scope 1 includes all direct emissions, for instance the burning of fuel, or release of anaesthetic gases within a hospital. Scope 2 (indirect) emissions are generated from producing electricity. Scope 3 emissions are mostly generated in the supply chain and represent the majority of emissions in healthcare, accounting for 70%–80% of the total.1 Specialties that require high-volume consumable equipment, supplies and frequent deliveries are therefore a major contributor to the carbon footprint of healthcare. Carbon footprint of non-procedural gastroenterology As in any field of medicine, gastroenterology (including endoscopy...
Source: Gut - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Editor's choice, Gut Commentary Source Type: research