Hospitals adapt to extreme weather and climate-related challenges

Hospitals worldwide are increasingly facing operational disruptions from extreme weather linked to climate change, leading them to innovate to remain functional.

Rachel Nduati reports for Deutsche Welle.

In short:

• Hospitals in Nigeria and Brazil are adopting telemedicine and mobile clinics to reach patients during floods, while Nigerian hospitals are also building climate-resilient facilities.
• Indian hospitals are integrating solar power to maintain operations during storms and cooling systems during heat waves, reducing carbon emissions.
• U.S. hospitals are implementing sustainable practices, such as rooftop farms and greener operating rooms, to reduce their environmental impact and withstand disasters.

Key quote:

"If built in a climate-resilient manner, hospitals can not only enhance health care service delivery... but also contribute to ambitious climate change mitigation targets."

— Lanvin Concessao, WRI India

Why this matters:

Climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events that threaten hospital operations, health care access, and patient safety. To stay functional, hospitals must adapt to these challenges while also reducing their environmental impact.

Related:

• Pittsburgh-area hospitals tackling climate emissions, pollution and waste
• Op-ed: In a warming world, nurses heal people and the planet
• Reimagining healthcare to reduce pollution, tackle climate change and center justice