Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is pressing for hospitals, health systems and other industry stakeholders to take a voluntary pledge to reduce emissions by half by 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2050.
HHS said in an announcement Friday that climate change can exacerbate existing healthcare disparities.
The agency is asking for stakeholders to also pledge to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to publicly report their progress.
“The healthcare sector contributes 8.5% of total U.S. emissions, so they have a big role to play,” National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy said in a statement.
