Why HK needs to decarbonise its healthcare sector

The Hong Kong government set the ambitious target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 in its Climate Action Plan in 2021. Budget speeches in recent years have echoed this commitment by allocating funds for greener transport and waste reduction. However, a substantial but often overlooked contributor to carbon emissions is the healthcare industry, which is accountable for 4 to 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas production. Thus, decarbonising the city’s healthcare system is of paramount importance, not only to align with the government’s sustainability goals, but also to safeguard public health and well-being.

The healthcare sector is uniquely positioned to set an example of sustainable operation, because of its responsibility for preserving human health

– an aspect fundamentally threatened by global warming. Creating low-carbon healthcare facilities does not have to be expensive. Modest adjustments to resource consumption habits, such as switching off idle equipment and replacing paper documents with electronic versions, cost very little.

Retrofitting existing infrastructure with windows that let in natural light, green roofs, and energyefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as incorporating solar panels and other renewable energy sources, is also a costeffective practice that can mitigate a hospital’s carbon footprint. In the long run, such initiatives will yield considerable savings on electricity bills.

Decarbonisation does not mean compromising the quality of patient care either. In fact, it may diversify healthcare services in ways not unwelcomed by the general public. Telemedicine is a promising alternative to conventional care that is effective, accessible, and very low-carbon. The onset of the pandemic led to a notable surge in its use, especially in chronic care management and mental health consultation.

Hong Kong has been experiencing hotter summers and more severe typhoons. Coupled with the city’s ageing population, climate-related health issues will exacerbate the current inadequacies in our healthcare system – a system which also happens to be a significant contributor to the problem of climate change. There is plenty of room for improvement in terms of decarbonisation of the healthcare system. Serena Yu, Boston, United States