Actionable avenues for dermatologists to reduce their environmental impact
Abstract
Climate change poses an increasing threat to human health, with well-documented impacts on dermatologic conditions. However, the U.S. healthcare sector is paradoxically a significant contributor to climate change-worsening greenhouse gas emissions. To address this negative externality, calls to action to decarbonize healthcare delivery have spurred research and initiatives around improving the environmental sustainability of medicine. Published sustainability recommendations for dermatologic practices have addressed themes such as renewable energy, single-use disposable materials, regulated medical waste, and clinician advocacy. Our current commentary provides an analysis of the potential of existing recommendations and outlines additional, novel, and actionable interventions. We highlight recently released decarbonization resources and regulatory changes. We emphasize the importance of reassessing procedure kits, minimizing medication waste, and implementing green procurement policies. We also address nuances in promoting environmentally-conscious transit, maximizing the efficient use of technology, supporting alternatives to single-use items, leveraging resources for patient education, assessing appropriate use of carbon credits, and bolstering community climate resilience.