Advancing Climate Health in Arizona

Take Action, Sign This Letter by Nov 30^th

This year, world leaders gathering in the UAE to take stock of their climate commitments will for the first time engage in official programming focused on health. A letter with signatories supports leadership bringing health front and center at COP28. You can sign in support too, by November 30^th.  You will find the letter here, the link to sign is toward the bottom marked by a green box. #FossilFree4Health #COP28HealthLetter.

Lowering Hospital Emissions Made Easier

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) has a new report entitled Cleaner Health Care: Hospital Emissions Mitigation. This is one of the best reports to walk through action steps clearly and why healthcare systems should act now (hint: money is available to help). We encourage all nurses to review and share the report so you can help your hospital be the next in Arizona to act. Did you know:

• The US remains the top emitter of healthcare greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at 27%
• Hospitals generate the most emissions in the US healthcare sector at 36%, followed by physician and clinical services at 12% and prescription drugs at 10%
• Healthcare supply chains account for nearly 80% of US healthcare emissions

Time to act: the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act both offer significant incentives for the US healthcare system to lower GHG emissions.

• Hospitals should utilize the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or similar measure tool to report energy efficiency and gain certification.
• Hospitals should reduce their GHG emissions from anesthetic gases by reducing, with the goal of eliminating, the use of desflurane gas and nitrous oxide—both of which are potent GHGs.
• Hospitals should reduce their GHG emissions from food waste by:

• devoting resources to sourcing more locally grown, healthier, and fresher fruits and vegetables options.
• providing more tailored meal options to patients.
• taking immediate advantage of opportunities for composting or otherwise repurposing food waste and unused food products.

Read more in the BPC Report.  A webinar on November 9^th highlights the report further. View on YouTube (hint: start watching at the 17min mark to avoid all the introductions)

What We Are Reading & Listening to This Week

• 46 Million Healthworkers to COP28 President: “end to the fossil fuel era” (Health Policy)
• Arizona saw fewer wildfires in 2023 than usual (AZ Central)
• Hospitals Have Many Opportunities to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Experts Say (MedPageToday)
• The Climate Brink Substack (Several good 3-4 minutes reads)

AzNA CC&H Workgroup Meeting

Are you interested in an ‘internship’, need a practicum for nursing school, or wish to volunteer with us?  We are interested in talking with you.

The AzNA Climate Change and Health Workgroup meets on the second Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is, on December 12^th at 5:30 pm Join Us.    

Thank you for joining us and engaging today!