Effect of Healthcare Facilities on Climate Change: A Systematic Review of the Carbon Footprint of the Nigerian Healthcare Sector

Abstract

Background: Climate change has continued to pose a global concern, as the resulting effect of the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continues to have significant consequences on the planet and its inhabitants. One of the major sectors contributing to the greenhouse effect is the healthcare sector, however, it is one of the sectors that has been overlooked and under reported. Objective: This article aims at reviewing the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities in Nigeria and its impact on climate change, while highlighting important and effective strategies towards addressing it. Methods: Data was obtained through a systematic review of available research articles obtained online via PubMed and Google scholar search engines, using the key words; climate change, healthcare facilities, global warming, and carbon footprint. Results: Effective policy and regulatory frame works are essential towards addressing the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities; however a lot of gap still exists in curbing the effect of GHG emissions by healthcare facilities in Nigeria, as majority of healthcare facilities in Nigeria still rely significantly on the combustion of fossil fuels for generation of power due to its epileptic electrical power supply. Conclusion: There is great need in addressing the effect of the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities on climate change. This can be achieved through the use of renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power, as well as the use of energy conservative measures such as the use of LED lighting and High-efficiency Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.