Climate Change & Sustainability
The impact of climate change and sustainability on health and healthcare provision is of concern to our members, as it is to our patients and the wider population. Many of our members are already involved in projects to address these issues. Globally, climate change has major adverse effects on gastrointestinal and liver health, and the ability to deliver effective healthcare. Environmental sustainability of healthcare provision causes concerns including emissions, lack of recycling, use of non-recyclable plastics, and unnecessary travel for patients. The NHS net zero ambitions are world-leading, and BSG and its members have an opportunity to contribute to these aims. We also have an opportunity to collaborate with other national and international partners. The issues around sustainability are complex, and research opportunities exist.
Sustainability in Gastroenterology
Prof Andrew Veitch, BSG President, interviews Dr Sandeep Siddhi, BSG Sustainability Lead, on the issue of Sustainability in Gastroenterology.
Sustainability news
BSG/BASL Sustainability Webinars
This joint BSG/BASL webinar titled 'An introduction to sustainable healthcare in the context of liver disease' was recorded on 26th March 2024.
BSG's Climate & Health Scorecard Results
This initiative evaluates the climate action of health organisations across four domains: internal operations; finance; education and training; and advocacy.
UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC)
The BSG is one of more than 20 health organisations that have come together in the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) to advocate for responses to climate change that protect and promote public health.
Latest Publications and Resources
BSG Resource: Green endoscopy poster
Display this poster somewhere prominent in your unit as a reminder of “small wins” to make your hospital greener.
Frontline Gastroenterology: Greener gastroenterology and hepatology: the British Society of Gastroenterology Strategy for Climate Change and Sustainability
Frontline Gastroenterology: Green endoscopy: practical implementation
Gut: World Gastroenterology Organisation – Gut Commentary Series on Digestive Health and Climate Change
This compendium of nine commentaries, each summarising one, or a hybrid, of nine educational webinars is organised by the WGO. The webinars covered the why, what and how in terms of climate change (CC) as related to digestive health hazards, disease implications and actionable interventions.
Sustainability Education Resources
BSG'21: Climate Change, Sustainability, and Liver Disease
The below video is a presentation by Dr Mhairi Donnelly, a Consultant Hepatologist at NHS Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, on “Climate Change, Sustainability, and Liver Disease”.
BSG'21: Green Endoscopy
The below video is a presentation by Dr Bu’Hussain Hayee, a Consultant at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, on “Green Endoscopy”.
Sustainability in Gastroenterology
This webinar, recorded on the 14th July 2021, featured talks on sustainability in gastroenterology. The webinar was chaired by Dr Andy Veitch, BSG President-Elect.