A recent report, The Planet Will See You Now by Arthur D. Little (ADL), underscores the UAE’s ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions from the healthcare sector by 20% by 2030.
This target aligns with the nation’s Net Zero 2050 vision and involves implementing energy-saving measures, recycling programs, and waste reduction initiatives.
Globally, healthcare accounts for 4.4% of greenhouse gas emissions, ranking as the fifth-largest emitter worldwide. In the Middle East, healthcare-related emissions are even higher than the global average due to the region’s hot climate, which drives energy-intensive cooling systems and presents challenges in medical waste management.
ADL’s findings emphasize the need for eco-friendly hospital designs, supply chain optimization, and innovative waste reduction programs to decarbonize healthcare systems across the GCC. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, supported by initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, are uniquely positioned to lead this transition to greener healthcare practices.
Dr. Ali Alessandro Ayach, Partner at ADL Middle East, stated,
“The UAE and Saudi Arabia are setting the stage for a sustainable healthcare revolution. To meet their bold national sustainability targets, the region’s healthcare sector must accelerate its decarbonisation journey.”
Farhan Mirza, Principal at ADL, added,
“The health of our planet and our people are interconnected. By prioritising sustainability, Middle Eastern healthcare systems can enhance patient outcomes, cut costs, and contribute to a greener future.”
As regional healthcare facilities adopt modern environmental practices, the sector remains pivotal in driving sustainability while addressing the pressing environmental challenges of emissions and waste.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
