Healthcare systems across the world join UN Race to Zero in a worldwide commitment for climate action from a sector at the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis, announced United Nations Climate Change.
In recognition of the severe health implications of climate change, nearly 40 healthcare institutions representing more than 3,000 hospitals and health centers have credibly committed to halve their own emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions before 2050.
Health Care Without Harm’s Road Map for the healthcare sector demonstrates how implementing seven high-impact actions can reduce the sector's emissions by 44 gigatons over 36 years, equivalent to keeping more than 2.7 billion barrels of oil in the ground each year.
On May 26, Health Care Without Harm, the Race to Zero healthcare partner, together with the UN High Level Climate Champion, COP25 Gonzalo Muñoz, were scheduled to announce the first group of hospitals and health systems joining the Race to Zero campaign. Close to 40 healthcare institutions worldwide, collectively representing more than 3,000 healthcare facilities in 18 countries, have made public commitments to halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by no later than 2050 accredited by Race to Zero’s stringent entry criteria.
The healthcare organizations, spanning six continents, represent diverse institutions including individual hospitals, private health systems, and provincial health departments. These health institutions join other Race to Zero members already in the campaign totaling nearly 4,000, including regions, cities, companies, educational institutions, and investors, and covering over 15% of the global economy. The UN-backed Race to Zero campaign is the largest ever alliance outside of national governments committed to halving global emissions by 2030 and delivering a zero carbon world in line with the Paris Agreement.
