GGHH News & Updates

We are living in a moment when two major global threats, a worldwide pandemic and the climate crisis, have suddenly converged.

World Water Day 2020, on 22 March, is about water and climate change – and how the two are inextricably linked. Much of health care delivery in developing countries takes place in settings where there are inadequate or non-existent municipal water or treatment facilities.

We recognize the burden our community is under. Many of you are on the front lines of this unfolding crisis caring for people with COVID-19. From all the staff at Health Care Without Harm and Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, thank you for your tireless work during this unprecedented time. We have heard countless stories of hope, community, and compassion from across the health care sector. We are all humbled and inspired by you.

The theme for the third Global Recycling Day is “Recycling Heroes”, to recognize people, places and activities that showcase the important role recycling plays in creating a healthy planet.

Health Care Without Harm is looking for a seasoned technical professional, with strong relationship and management skills, to lead the implementation of its projects in Latin America and play a leadership role in the development of HCWH´s regional strategy, in close partnership with the regional and the international team.

Edward Rubinstein is Director of Environmental Compliance, Energy & Sustainability at University Health Network (UHN) based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Started in 1999, this multi-award winning environmental sustainability program has implemented a variety of innovative initiatives that have led to energy savings, successful product substitutions and changes in user culture to foster a more sustainable health care.

The recording of our 2019 webinar, Health care’s climate footprint: Report findings and opportunities for action, as well as the presentations of our presenters are now available for GGHH members to access on GGHH Connect. Organized by Health Care Without Harm and its GGHH program, this webinar presented the findings and recommendations from the Health Care Without Harm report on Health care’s climate footprint and showcased the innovative solutions that members of the GGHH network are implementing around the world to take climate action and reduce the climate footprint of the health care sector.

Health Care Without Harm applauds England’s National Health Service (NHS) for its bold declaration that it will chart a course to net-zero climate emissions.

This GGHH SE Asia Webinar Session will delve into the findings of the 2019 Lancet Countdown Report on Health and Climate Change, and zero in on the newest Lancet Countdown Indicator focused on the benefits and harms of air conditioning.

Save the date to attend the next Sustainable Healthcare Forum Aotearoa and the new Climate Change & Health Conference, set for June 16-17 at Wellington, New Zealand.

The Association of Healthcare Providers – India, the Centre For Environmental Health, and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), HCWH strategic partner in India, recently published the report ‘Climate Change & Health. Role of Health Sector’.

Twenty-four participants attended the first assessor training session on the National Green Hospital Standard on September 7 and 8, 2019, at the Public Health Foundation of India campus. Participants represented both public and private hospitals from different parts of India. The Health and Environment Leadership Platform (HELP), the Indian chapter of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals, participated in the event and has been integral to the development of the standard.