The US health care system significantly contributes to climate change while increasingly facing its adverse consequences. Despite this dual challenge, policy efforts to incentivize carbon reduction and make care delivery climate-resilient remain fragmented. In this article, we identify policy interventions and other strategies that have the potential to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon, climate-smart health care systems. Drawing on academic literature and real-world implementation examples, we present a framework of strategies, highlighting the evidence in support of mechanisms such as green reimbursement models, integration of climate change into health professional education, and sustainable procurement standards. We further examine emerging policy levers, including circular economy practices and mandated carbon accounting. Last, we highlight opportunities for federal and state policy makers, payers, and health system leaders to guide future action. Ensuring that health policies actively support climate mitigation and adaptation is a moral and environmental imperative and a strategic opportunity to improve quality, reduce costs, and advance health equity.
Wheat et al. (Fri,) studied this question.