In January 2020, the NHS launched the “For a Greener NHS” campaign, mobilising its 1.3 million staff to develop an ambitious, evidence-based roadmap to reach net zero.
In 2020, the NHS became the world’s first national health system to commit to reaching net zero emissions. The Delivering a net zero NHS strategy set two clear targets (against a 1990 baseline):
- Net zero by 2040 for emissions the NHS directly controls
- Net zero by 2045 for emissions the NHS can influence across its wider supply chain
These commitments were informed by staff engagement, an international call for evidence, and the NHS Net Zero Expert Panel.
Climate change threatens the foundations of good health, but it also presents an unprecedented opportunity to improve population health, reduce inequalities and modernise healthcare delivery. For the NHS, responding to climate change is not optional. It is central to its mission of protecting and improving health — now and for future generations.