NHS Scotland - climate emergency and sustainability: annual report 2021 to 2022

9. Conclusion

We are faced with a triple planetary crisis of three interlinked issues - climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. At the same time as meeting the immediate health needs of the people of Scotland, NHS Scotland must play its part in resolving the Climate Emergency and be resilient to changes to our climate.

As set out at the start of our report there has been a range of activity to set clear aims for NHS Scotland to respond to this emergency. In November 2021, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care committed NHS Scotland to the aims of the COP26 Health Programme; to become a climate resilient and low carbon, sustainable health service. The Scottish Government has also issued a new policy for NHS Scotland on the Climate Emergency committed to a 2040 net zero target, published the NHS Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy, and established a programme to implement the strategy’s national elements.

There are signs of progress across Health Boards in ramping up climate and environmental action towards these aims. However, we have not yet fully mobilised the people and resources we need to deliver. This Annual Report for 2021/22 covers the action taken in that year and reflects the need for greater action across all areas.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport wrote to Chief Executives and Chairs of Health Boards in March 2023, to emphasise the importance of responding to the climate emergency and the interlinked crises of pollution and biodiversity loss and asking them to accelerate their mobilisation. Health Boards have also been asked to set out their planned actions in their Annual Delivery Plans and Medium Term Plans.

Healthcare can help lead the way in reducing the threat from climate change and realising the opportunities for health improvement from climate action. NHS Scotland is not alone in its efforts. Over 62 countries from all around the world have now signed up to the COP26 Health Programme including the United States, Germany and Spain. The NHS services of each of the four nations of the UK are working towards the same goal. There are opportunities to share the good work which NHS Scotland has performed, such as reducing desflurane usage and the Nitrous Oxide Project, and to learn from others who are facing the same challenges.

Finally, the people who work within NHS Scotland and use its services have fantastic ideas on how to make the NHS more environmental and socially sustainable. If you have an idea you wish to share, please do so at: www.nhssustainabilityaction.co.uk