Interconnectedness of digital health, climate change and respiratory care: navigating an environmentally sustainable path forward.

Abstract

Planetary health connects human health to surrounding natural systems reliant on preserving nine planetary boundaries. Excessive fossil-fuel use, plastic consumption and our lifestyles have led to environmental pollution, pushing climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater availability, disrupted nutrient cycles and land use into an uncertain future. Climate change affects respiratory health through increased air pollution, allergen level changes, extreme heat, more frequent bushfires and changes in vector-borne disease distribution. Communities and healthcare systems require innovative solutions to address these challenges. Digital health interventions hold great promise as they support respiratory care by improving access to care, more personalised healthcare plans, therapy adherence, remote monitoring, risk identification and patient education. However, while technologies such as electronic medical records and telemedicine can reduce healthcare emissions, they also contribute to environmental pollution. By designing and delivering digital health services with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, environmentally sustainable production and responsible recycling, a balance between safe quality care and minimal environmental impact is possible.Copyright © ERS 2023.