Telemedicine Reduces Healthcare Carbon Footprint in New Zealand

In today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the looming threat of climate change casts a long shadow over the sector. Greenhouse gas emissions are a significant contributor to this global challenge, with carbon dioxide topping the list. The burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities are major culprits in the emission of greenhouse gases. New Zealand, for instance, has its own share of emissions, primarily from carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Despite its relatively low emissions compared to top emitters like China, every effort to reduce carbon footprint counts.

Transportation emerges as a key player in the emission game, responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon dioxide output. In New Zealand, road vehicles dominate the transportation sector’s emissions, highlighting the impact of travel on greenhouse gas levels. The healthcare industry, while essential for public health, also contributes a significant share to greenhouse gas emissions. Globally, healthcare activities are estimated to account for 4–5% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with New Zealand’s healthcare sector contributing 3–8% to the country’s emissions.

The adverse effects of climate change on health are well-documented, ranging from direct environmental injuries due to extreme weather events to indirect impacts on water and food access, leading to various health challenges. Interestingly, the countries least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions often bear the brunt of climate change’s health consequences, underscoring the global nature of this issue. In this context, telemedicine emerges as a promising solution, leveraging technology to deliver healthcare remotely and potentially reduce carbon emissions associated with traditional in-person consultations.

The rise of telemedicine, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents an opportunity to cut down on carbon emissions in healthcare. A systematic review of telemedicine’s environmental impact indicates substantial carbon savings per consultation, with studies reporting reductions ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Notably, store-and-forward telemedicine consultations have shown promise in significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to in-person visits, shedding light on the environmental benefits of virtual healthcare delivery.

In the realm of dermatology, timely assessment of skin lesions is crucial for patient outcomes, particularly for individuals in remote or rural areas. Teledermatology has emerged as a valuable tool to bridge this gap, enabling specialists to evaluate skin conditions remotely. A study conducted at the Waikato Dermatology Department in New Zealand assessed the carbon footprint of virtual consultations for skin lesions compared to estimated in-person reviews. The results revealed a substantial reduction in carbon emissions per consultation, underscoring the environmental advantages of telemedicine in dermatological care.

Beyond the environmental benefits, telemedicine offers a range of advantages, including improved access to healthcare services, especially for underserved populations. By leveraging technology to enable remote consultations, healthcare providers can not only enhance patient care but also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional healthcare practices. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, embracing telemedicine and other eco-friendly practices can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in healthcare delivery.