London Climate Action Week is a reminder that climate change isn't just an environmental challenge, it's a health challenge too. We’re already seeing its impact on patients and health systems worldwide, from shifts in infectious disease patterns to worsening air quality and respiratory health. What’s more, healthcare itself has a significant environmental footprint. But here’s the opportunity. We can redesign healthcare so it's better for patients, the planet and the resilience of our health systems. Many of the approaches that could increase care efficiency and improve patient outcomes, such as prevention, earlier diagnosis, more care delivered in community settings and longer-acting treatments, could also reduce environmental impacts. Innovation is already showing what’s possible. Next-generation propellants for inhalers used to manage respiratory conditions aim to reduce emissions, while ensuring patients can continue to access the medicines they rely on.

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