Climate change and gastroenterology: urgent action for planetary and digestive health

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared climate change the single biggest threat to humanity.¹ Climate change represents a major global health challenge that affects gastrointestinal (GI) disease patterns, healthcare delivery, and health system sustainability. Healthcare and gastroenterology contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.² Endoscopy, in particular, is a high-waste, resource-intensive domain. This article reviews the relationship between climate and digestive health and proposes simple implementable strategies for healthcare workers to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high standards of clinical care. Strategies draw upon guidance from the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).^3-5