Abstract
The urgency to combat climate change, highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, prompted the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) to commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, positioning healthcare as a leader in environmental sustainability. To accomplish this, a comprehensive framework emphasising three principles is outlined. Firstly, reducing the demand for health services through policies addressing social determinants of health and prioritising health promotion is essential. Secondly, aligning healthcare resources with patient needs and promoting value-based healthcare reform is crucial. Lastly, reducing emissions from healthcare operations and supply chains, through measures like optimising building performance and transitioning to renewable energy sources, is necessary. The paper stresses the need for systemic changes in healthcare policies and practices to integrate environmental considerations and achieve sustainable health equity. It suggests that the transition to net zero healthcare emissions not only mitigates climate change but also promotes overall health and wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic's transformative potential, supported by informed political action, underscores the feasibility and necessity of embracing a new era of planetary healthcare