A race to net zero-early lessons from healthcare's decarbonization marathon.

Climate change poses a threat to healthcare systems; at the same time, healthcare systems contribute to a worsening climate. Climate-induced disasters are predicted to increase both the demand for healthcare services while also posing a threat to the integrity of healthcare systems' infrastructures and supply chains. Many healthcare organizations have taken initiatives to prepare for such disasters through implementing carbon emission-reduction practices and infrastructure reinforcement, through globally recognized frameworks and strategies known as Scopes 1, 2, and 3, and decarbonization.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Health Care Conferences: A Study of Emissions and Practical Solutions.

Purpose: We aimed to examine the impact of different conference formats (in-person, virtual, and hybrid) of the ASCO conference on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to recommend sustainable options for future conferences.

Materials And Methods: This study used data on the number of attendees, their departure locations, and the type of attendance (in-person virtual) provided by ASCO between 2019 and 2022. The GHG emissions resulting from air and ground travel, remote connectivity, conference space utilization, hotel stays, distributed conference materials, and electricity use were estimated for each year.