Green Endoscopy and Climate Change | April 2023-GI Multisociety Strategic Plan on Environmental Sustainability

GI Multisociety Strategic Plan on Environmental Sustainability

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The GI multisociety strategic plan on environmental sustainability is a joint effort by major gastroenterology and hepatology societies in the United States. The plan aims to address the effects of climate change on digestive health and healthcare systems while reducing the environmental impact of GI practice. It emphasizes the importance of preventing further destruction of ecosystems and modifying detrimental behaviors.<br /><br />The plan aligns with the increasing recognition of the health risks posed by climate change. It takes into account the negative impact of climate change on social and environmental determinants of health such as water and food security, shelter, physical activity, and accessible healthcare. It also acknowledges that climate change disproportionately affects marginalized populations.<br /><br />The plan consists of several strategic goals, which include devising sustainable clinical practices to reduce waste and carbon emissions, raising awareness and sharing sustainability practices through education, raising and allocating resources for research on the intersection of the environment and digestive health, achieving environmentally sustainable organizational activities, collaborating with other GI societies to advocate for sustainable practices, engaging with industry partners to develop environmentally friendly products, and advocating for policies that promote environmentally sustainable GI practices.<br /><br />Each strategic goal is accompanied by specific objectives and initiatives that societies can undertake. These initiatives include measuring carbon footprints and waste generation, identifying low-waste and low-carbon practice alternatives, developing educational tools, supporting research efforts, and tracking the progress of sustainability efforts.<br /><br />The plan highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of climate change and to transition to a more sustainable model of healthcare delivery. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among societies, industry partners, and advocacy organizations to achieve these goals.<br /><br />The plan has already received endorsements from several GI and non-GI societies, demonstrating the broad acknowledgment of the importance of addressing climate change in the field of gastroenterology.

Keywords

GI multisociety strategic plan

environmental sustainability

climate change

digestive health

healthcare systems

sustainable clinical practices

advocacy

industry partners

research

collaboration