Health Care Without Harm is honored to announce that our Health Care Climate Challenge initiative will become the official health care partner of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign.
Organized by the High-Level Climate Champions of the UNFCCC, Race to Zero rallies leadership and support from non-state actors – businesses, cities, regions and investors – for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
“From New Zealand to the United States, Costa Rica to the United Kingdom, we are seeing health care institutions set their sights on net zero emissions and carbon neutrality,” says Josh Karliner, International Director of Program and Strategy for Health Care Without Harm. “As a Race to Zero partner, we look forward to helping build and support the growing movement of hospitals and health systems around the world working for zero emissions and a healthy climate.”
In 2021, Health Care Without Harm will formally launch the Race to Zero as a component of the Health Care Climate Challenge, with an initial international cohort of hospitals and health systems committing to zero emissions. Race to Zero will become the high bar commitment for health care institutions within the Health Care Climate Challenge.
Race to Zero will be part of a new and exciting suite of resources that Health Care Without Harm will offer facilities and systems participating in the Health Care Climate Challenge.
“These will include a carbon footprint measurement tool, along with a set of high impact strategies for decarbonization, resilience and leadership,” says Nick Thorp, Director of Health Care Without Harm’s Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network. “These new tools will be designed for those just beginning to take action, as well as those already deeply engaged. Stay tuned for more information on these opportunities next year.”
If you are a health care institution that has already set or is considering setting a target for net zero emissions or carbon neutrality and are interested in the Race to Zero opportunity, or if you would like to learn more about the Health Care Climate Challenge please contact us at globalnetwork@hcwh.org.
The Health Care Climate Challenge has over 300 participants, representing more than 22,000 hospitals in 34 countries, all committed to climate action.