Climate Resilience – The Role of the Healthcare Sector

 The health sector is dealing with the heavy toll of climate change and needs to adjust to the increasing risks. A webinar held in May 2024 dove into what can be done when it comes to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the sector with experts representing doctors, patients and policymakers- see the recording below! 

The webinar was co-organised by HEAL, the International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies (AIM), the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA), the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) and the European Commission. 

HEAL Deputy Director Anne Stauffer reminded participants about the urgency to act:

In the health sector it is by now apparent that climate change is the biggest health threat of the 21st century, threatening the health and wellbeing of every European – especially those most at risk including the elderly, patients, children, and those facing health inequalities. We need to see stronger EU action, including financing for health resilience.

The event underlined that there can be no denying the huge stress that climate change places on the effectiveness and sustainability of the healthcare sector. Further, the European Climate Risk Assessment carried out by the European Environment Agency identified 36 climate risks, with health being one of five priorities.   

Unfortunately, often climate change also results in cascading negative effects in the sector; in hospitals, for example, heat stress both increases patient admissions, and places stress on infrastructure and staff. Patients are also feeling the effects: heatwaves worsen respiratory symptoms, and increased pollen and mould due to a warming climate make allergies worse. The healthcare sector also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, so there is a need to strengthen mitigation efforts as well.  

What can be done? On the national level health and climate knowledge centers can be established and enhanced to help support awareness raising.  

On the EU level, the next policy cycle 2024-2029 needs to see the link between climate and health prominently on the Strategic Agenda. Further existing strategies on the nexus of health and environment can guide policymaking, such as the Budapest Declaration on Environment and Health, adopted by all countries of the WHO European region, to which HEAL provided expertise.  National action plans, such as the pioneering Belgian National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, are needed in all countries to help adjust to threats.  

Speakers also called for fostering prevention and preparedness, rather than just a reactionary approach. Appropriate investment, such as increased EU funding, is needed to help close the financial gap and secure the future functionality of the sector.  National social security systems also need to adapt to consider health inequalities to achieve fair transitions to climate-resilient societies.  

Overall, collaboration to achieve the above is crucial; the health care sector, climate communities, civil society and governing entities should work together. On the sectoral level doctors, patients, hospitals, industry and funders need to find paths for sharing knowledge and support. 

The esteemed speakers included Dr. Ina Kelly, representing the Standing Committee of European Doctors and the Irish Medical Organisation, Panagiotis Chaslaridis, Senior Policy Advisor at the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations, Pascal Garel, Chief Executive at HOPE, the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation and Christian Horemans, International Affairs Manager at Mutualités Libres in Belgium and representing AIM, the International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies. 

Watch the recording of the webinar below for more insights!