From extremes of heat to the spread of infectious diseases, climate change presents the single greatest threat to human health of this century. To cope with its devastating effects, populations worldwide are increasingly reliant on healthcare services to meet their health and social care needs.

Healthcare has two roles. It must protect its patients from the worst effects of climate change, while also tackling the problem at source. With a carbon footprint of around 5-8% of the global total, if the healthcare sector was a country, it would be the fifth largest emitter on the planet.

A bold new approach to healthcare delivery is needed – one that meets the immediate needs of patients while tackling climate change at the same time. 

Encouragingly, findings from a research survey commissioned by the Centre affirm that health professionals in Singapore are deeply concerned and want to see real change, with 82% of them supporting action towards a more sustainable health system. Two-thirds of them believe Singapore should participate in or be role models for the international community in sustainable healthcare.

CoSM at the forefront of sustainable medicine

To lead the health profession’s response to climate change in Asia and across the world, the Centre for Sustainable Medicine has been established, to grow a new field of medicine and transform clinical practice.

The Centre is led by Professor Nick Watts, who has been appointed as Professor of Sustainable Medicine.

“Without urgent action, climate change will overwhelm health systems in Singapore and across the world. The newly minted Centre for Sustainable Medicine at NUS Medicine will tackle this challenge, helping doctors, nurses and hospitals prepare for the spread of infectious diseases and weather extremities. At the same time, it will conduct research and implement net zero healthcare across the country, directly improving the health of our patients and reducing stretched health budgets,” said Professor Watts.

Professor Watts is supported and joined by clinical leaders and industry experts from Singapore and abroad. Among the local clinicians stand Dr. Amanda Zain (Consultant in Pediatrics), Prof Lynette Shek (Vice Dean of NUS Medicine, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics), and Dr. Poh Pei Kee (Consultant Anesthetist). Internationally, the Centre benefits from the expertise of Assoc Prof Chantelle Rizan in net zero clinical transformation.