The Role of Health Systems in climate change

ΤΟΜΟΣ 7(2)_18-33 (ελληνικά)
Published: Dec 26, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ees.42032
Keywords:
Climate change Healthcare Sustainable development strategies
Nikolaos Neokleous
Ιατρικός Λειτουργός Αιματολογίας Α' τάξεως, MSc, MBA, Αιματολογική Κλινική, ΓΝ Λεμεσού
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2657-2512
Michael Talias
Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, BSc, MSc, PhD, Τμήμα Διοίκηση Μονάδων Υγείας, Ανοιχτό Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1802-5586
Abstract

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human health, while affecting the ecosystem, food production, health, and well-being of populations around the world. The healthcare sector is responsible worldwide for around 5% of greenhouse gas emissions playing an important role in the sustainability of the planet. This literature review summarizes information and data on the role of health systems in the burden and in the fight against climate change. The strategies for reducing negative impact are commented and different ways of action are presented to support the ecological "processing" of health systems by encouraging the achievement of sustainable development targets. At the same time, a wide range of “green” practices are mentioned which can have a positive impact. However, individual and limited actions are not sufficient unless they are accompanied by systemic strategies that change the way of demand and supply of health care. Sustainable strategies, except the benefits of the environment, bring about an improvement in the efficiency of health care processes and long-term economic gains. The health sector has a unique opportunity to exploit its position and resources by providing a comprehensive strategy to improve the health of the population and the environment that it affects and from which it is affected.

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