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.

www.dw.com

Hospitals adapt to extreme weather and climate-related challenges

The emerging danger of post-hurricane heat waves

The Great Salt Lake is dying and fixing it could cost billions

Tropics take the brunt as hotter oceans drive large-scale humid heat waves: Study

How the Trump administration’s climate math doesn’t add up

Trump EPA proposes loosening restrictions on toxic coal ash disposal

Stung by Iran war, countries are turning against U.S. fossil fuels

EPA sets ‘no surprises’ science policy, reassigns researchers

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.