Planetary Health: Should We Care?

J Am Coll Radiol. 2024 Jun;21(6):969-972. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.07.003. Epub 2023 Jul 18.

Abstract

The delivery of radiologic services and other health care produces a large amount of environmental pollution, which increases human morbidity and mortality. Planetary health looks for sustainable strategies to deliver high-quality health care and reduce environmental impact. Radiologists should consider the sustainability and resilience of their practice in the face of limited natural resources and increasing extreme weather events. Additionally, there is a strong business case for including planetary health in radiology given the financial benefits of sustainability efforts. The extent of radiology's environmental impact and the central role radiologists play in patient care should encourage radiologists to lead these efforts in health care.

Keywords: Planetary health; climate change; environmental impact; sustainability.

MeSH terms

  • Climate Change
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Global Health*
  • Humans
  • Radiology
  • United States