ISQua GREEN PAPER
Our health depends on the health of the planet. The science is clear about that. Today, planetary health is in clear and present danger because of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and severe pollution of water, soil, and air. Consequently, human health is endangered, and in fact, all life on earth is endangered. Hence, we must build bridges to a sustainable future.
This year’s theme of ISQua's 40th International Conference is more urgent than ever. The conference track ‘Navigating Climate Change and Sustainability in Healthcare Systems’ examines and demonstrates its relationship with quality improvement and safety.
As healthcare professionals, we should be more aware and need a new skill set to cope with the health consequences of the ecological crisis. At the same time, our healthcare systems contribute substantially to this crisis, which means that we must redesign them to become more environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate change. This is a matter of critical importance and significant responsibility as well.
Green Care is High Quality Care: The ISQua Green Paper and Call to Action for Environmentally Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Systems
ISQua’s latest position statement, entitled ‘Green Care is High Quality Care: The ISQua Green Paper and Call to Action for Environmentally Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Systems’, was launched at our 40th International Conference.
This paper was commissioned by ISQua Past President Jeffrey Braithwaite and ISQua Chief Executive Officer Carsten Engel, approved by the ISQua Board, and developed with the guidance and expertise of an international ISQua Working Group which met during 2023 and 2024.
The ISQua Green Paper does three things: it outlines the challenge before us; provides a short primer on climate change, ecological disruption, and health; describes the latest international developments; and provides practical actions to build climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and low-carbon health systems.
This publication is a sign of ISQua’s commitment to championing the knowledge, network, voice and action of our membership to meet this vital, global challenge to the future of health.
