Climate4Health

The Climate4Health project develops framework conditions and necessary measures for the healthcare sector at the intersection of climate protection and supply security, with the goal of deriving prioritized action recommendations. Supply security in healthcare is an indispensable foundation for maintaining an effective healthcare system, ensuring the health and well-being of the population. By actively contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the healthcare sector can play a key role in tackling climate change while strengthening long-term supply security. Climate protection can help enhance efficient, independent, optimized, stable, and resilient healthcare services in Austria by reducing resource consumption and increasing resource efficiency. Examples of climate protection measures that can reinforce supply security include: (i) Reducing energy demand, (ii) Increasing the use of renewable energy sources, (iii) Enhancing efficiency and optimizing logistics and transportation, (iv) Implementing circular economy principles and (v) Developing and applying innovative technologies. Overall, the transformation of the healthcare sector towards climate neutrality presents a crucial opportunity to enhance supply security, protect public health, and reduce costs. Methodologically, the research project primarily follows a qualitative approach, including workshops, expert involvement, and a process model consisting of an inventory assessment, vision development, and identification of necessary measures. Climate4Health is funded by the Austrian security research programme KIRAS of the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).