2.F. Scientific session: Promoting greener health technologies to support planetary health
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Health technologies (HTs) have a significant impact on the global carbon footprint. Recent studies indicate that the health care contributes to 4-5% of global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions which is comparable to the aviation industry. This is primarily derived from the health care supply chain, namely the production, transport, and disposal of goods and services, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, hospital equipment, and instruments. Environmental sustainability is intrinsically tied to public health and the overall well-being of communities. HTs, though aimed at protecting health, can have a wide range of adverse effects on biodiversity, the environment and ultimately human health if their ecological implications are not carefully considered. All lifecycles of HTs, which include development, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal processes of medical devices and pharmaceutical products, contributes to GHGs, chemical pollution, and waste generation. Therefore, intervention to assess the impact that HTs can have on the carbon footprint and the broader environment is a critical aspect that must be integrated into the design, evaluation and implementation of HTs from their initial conception. On top of that, addressing health inequities early on during HTs design, but also in their evaluation and implementation, becomes even more essential in the context of climate change that impacts vulnerable populations, disproportionately. By including the assessment of environmental impact as an integral part of design, evaluation and implementation of HTs, a more responsible and holistic approach can be fostered, prioritizing not only clinical efficacy but also the protection of population and planetary health. Furthermore, this practice could support effort to achieve global objectives for emission reduction and sustainable development, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Concomitantly, assessing environmental impact also drives innovation in green and environmentally responsible technologies within the healthcare field, promoting solutions that minimize harms and optimize resource efficiency. Ultimately, this approach not only mitigates ecological risks but also enhances the resilience of health systems in the face of emerging climate-related threats, such as disease outbreaks. This workshop would like to address these aspects, starting from an overview of principles and challenges for the incorporation of the planetary health perspective in the evaluation of HTs. More practical considerations will be followed in relation to new HTs and the assessment of their environmental impact within the health technology assessment approach. Finally, a case study will showcase the assessment of environmental impact of HTs. The final discussion will be conducted through the lens of the public health policy and politics. Key messages • Incorporating environmental impact assessment into the assessment of every stage of the life cycle of a health technology is critical for a healthier planet and improved global public health. • New health technologies must be designed from their earliest conception with an eco-conscious, equitable and sustainable perspective that protects human and planetary health.
Authors: Organised by: EUPHA Health Technology Assessment section, EUPHA Health Impact Assessment section, EUPHA Public Health Policy and Politics section, EUPHA Environment and Health section, HTAi ESHTA WG, Chair persons: Piedad Martin-Olmedo (EUPHA-HIA), Chiara de Waure (EUPHA-HTA)
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101443800
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