ESAIC News
The Spanish Ministry of Health and SEDAR endorse the ESAIC Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
Madrid, 2 October 2024
The Spanish Ministry of Health and the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) have officially endorsed the Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, a landmark initiative spearheaded by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC). This declaration seeks to reduce the environmental impact of anaesthesiology and intensive care through sustainable practices, with a particular focus on reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare services.
Spain has now become the first country where the government has formally adopted the ESAIC Glasgow Declaration. This significant endorsement reflects Spain’s growing commitment to incorporating sustainability into healthcare systems, particularly in anaesthesiology and intensive care. The declaration calls for the implementation of sustainable practices while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in patient care.
The Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care includes key recommendations such as selecting anaesthetic agents with lower global warming potential, optimising energy use in operating theatres, adopting renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and addressing pharmaceutical pollution in wastewater.
Climate Change, Healthcare, and Public Health
The global healthcare sector is responsible for approximately 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, a significant contributor to the climate crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises climate change as a public health emergency, with projections suggesting that if left unaddressed, it could result in an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050.
The Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care emphasises the pressing need to integrate sustainability into healthcare, urging hospitals and medical professionals to take responsibility for reducing their contribution to environmental degradation.
By endorsing the declaration, the Spanish Ministry of Health and SEDAR join a global movement to raise awareness among healthcare workers, patients, and policymakers about the importance of sustainable practices. This step is part of a broader mission to reduce emissions, minimise waste, and encourage a culture of environmental responsibility across Spain’s healthcare system.
For more information, visit the ESAIC Glasgow Declaration on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care.