ASGE Annual Postgraduate Course: Clinical Challenges and Real-Time Decision Making in GI Endoscopy (Live and Virtual) | May 2023-Session 3 - Overholt Lecture

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Rabia De La Tour discusses the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry, with a focus on gastroenterology. She begins by explaining the definitions of climate, climate change, global warming, fossil fuels, and greenhouse gases. She then delves into the concept of a carbon footprint, explaining that it is the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels. Dr. De La Tour emphasizes that the healthcare industry, including gastroenterology, contributes a significant amount to greenhouse gas emissions. She highlights the need for the industry to address this issue and presents several interventions that can be taken at both a global and individual level. These interventions include utilizing clean, renewable energy, investing in zero-emission buildings, transitioning to sustainable transport and travel, providing sustainable food options, incentivizing low-carbon pharmaceuticals, implementing circular and sustainable healthcare management, and establishing greater healthcare system effectiveness. In terms of gastroenterology specifically, Dr. De La Tour suggests reducing unnecessary procedures, introducing plant-based menus, optimizing resource usage, promoting recycling and reuse of medical products, and donating expired goods. She concludes by highlighting the importance of individual actions and the potential impact they can have in addressing climate change.

Asset Subtitle

Rabia De Latour, MD

Keywords

carbon footprint

healthcare industry

gastroenterology

greenhouse gas emissions

sustainable healthcare

climate change interventions