The medical community substantially contributes to climate change, a global threat with numerous, widespread detriments to health. In the United States alone, the health care industry accounts for 8-10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

“The contribution to emissions is huge,” said Howard Hu, MD, MPH, ScD, holder of the Flora L. Thornton Chair in Preventive Medicine and chair and professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “That insight became a clarion call for us to do something about it.”

That spur to action has added a new line of study for his research efforts, which also focuses on revealing the effects of pollution on human health. As an outgrowth of his recent work related to climate change, Hu has organized colleagues from across multiple disciplines to examine the medical industry’s impact and uncover potential solutions.

To continue reading this story, click here.