Nurses and Climate Change: Ten Strategies for Reducing Carbon Emissions in the Radiology Department

• Published in: Journal of radiology nursing Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 39 - 42
• Main Authors: Hawkins, Janice E., Tremblay, Beth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.03.2023
• Subjects: Climate change; Imaging energy use; Radiology carbon emissions; Radiology greenhouse gases; Climate change; Radiology greenhouse gases; Radiology carbon emissions; Imaging energy use
• ISSN: 1546-0843
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jradnu.2022.10.003

Radiology departments are major consumers of hospital energy use. Overall, hospitals in the United States are responsible for a significant percent of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute directly contribute to climate change. The negative impact of climate change on human health is well documented. A top ten list of strategies for reducing energy use in the radiology department can assist nurses in reducing the carbon footprints of their facilities. •Hospitals are responsible for 8.5% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.•Climate change is expected to contribute to an additional 250,000 deaths each year.•Radiology departments are major consumers of hospital energy use.•Nurses can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their daily practices.