As a sector, health care accounts for nearly 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s twice the amount emitted by the aviation industry. 

Every test, treatment, and procedure carries an environmental impact, contributing to material waste and carbon emissions at the point of care or across the life cycle of the products used. By eliminating or reducing practices that do not add value to patient care, there is a net benefit to the environment. 

That’s why over 20 clinical specialties have collaborated to create more than 40 Choosing Wisely Canada climate-conscious recommendations. These recommendations aim to mobilize clinicians to stop or reduce low-value practices that harm the environment without compromising patient care. 

See the full list of recommendations.