AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE HEALTH INITIATIVES

Planetary health is a key component to improving the quality of eye care and environmentally sustainable eye health practices are required to make progress towards our climate-related goals and targets. Globally, healthcare is responsible for two billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), 4.4% of all global net greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Studies have found that the same cataract surgery can yield 30x more emissions in one country than compared to another. The time is now to mobilize and support eye health service providers in integrating climate and environmentally sustainable practices. NGOs, Ministries of Health, health service providers and communities must become advocates for, and take actions in minimising, the environmental impact of eye health delivery and developing resilience to the challenges of the climate emergency.