The NHS in England is committed to getting to carbon net zero by 2040 on all that it directly controls and by 2045 on all that it procures and consumes. Other health systems are making similar commitments, and all health systems, just like everything else, will have to get to net zero if we are to avoid a climate and nature catastrophe. Much research and innovation will be needed, and a meeting held on 10 October at BMA House heard lots of evidence on research and innovation for the clinical work of the NHS to reach net zero. I prowled the meeting and have tried to summarise some of the lessons in 12 Cs.
There is great interest in how to get health systems to net zero. Over a hundred (134) abstracts were submitted for the conference. The hall could hold 300 people, and there was a waiting list for people to attend in person. In addition some 2000 people applied to watch online.
#### Clinical change
Clinical activity and clinical decisions account for most of the carbon footprint of health systems. Many hospitals started on reducing their carbon footprint by changing their energy supplier, heating systems, buildings, and lightbulbs, but such changes are far from being enough. Clinical activity is more complex to change, but change it must—mostly in ways that can improve patient health and care.
#### Capacity
Many of the projects presented at the conference were undertaken by clinicians and others in addition to their day jobs. One of the main messages that emerged was that this is not sustainable. If the NHS is to reach net zero people will …