The GreenHealth Lab at UCSF studies the interplay between healthcare delivery and climate change. We explore the impact of the healthcare system and health institutions on the environment, and the impact of climate change on clinical and patient care. Our findings help shape mitigation and adaptation efforts, improving hospital sustainability and creating more resilient systems and healthy communities.
OUR RESEARCH PRIORITIES
ADAPTATION &
CLIMATE RESILIENCY
We research how climate change may reduce patient access to essential care, pinpointing opportunities for resilience-building efforts. For example, we are currently exploring how climate-fueled disasters (i.e. wildfires and hurricanes) interrupt cancer care.
HEALTHCARE DECARBONIZATION
& SUSTAINABILITY
We investigate the environmental impact of healthcare delivery (via life cyle assessment tools), exploring ways to make clinical care more sustainable without compromising outcomes. For example, check out our recent articles climate-smart oncology care, healthcare waste, and how to quantify oncology's "footprint".