Healthcare Sector Emissions and Damages

This indicator quantifies healthcare sector emissions of GHGs, ozone and PM2.5 using a top-down spend-based method employing the environmentally-extended multi-region input-output (EE-MRIO) model EXIOBASE and health expenditure data, alongside epidemiological models of air pollution-related health damages. For the first time, it also estimates emissions by GHG Protocol Scope 1 (direct on-site emissions); Scope 2 (purchased energy); and Scope 3 (value chain). It matches per-capita greenhouse gas emissions data with the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index to report healthcare-associated greenhouse gas emissions per capita per year, including direct emissions from healthcare facilities as well as emissions from the consumption of goods and services supplied by other sectors.

As only total health expenditure data are available from WHO, all expenditures are assigned to Final Demand, with no separation for investment. MRIO models are built from aggregated top-down statistical data. Results do not reflect individual health care systems’ power purchase agreements for renewable energy or any offsetting activities. Results do not include direct emissions of waste anaesthetic gases from clinical operations nor emissions from metered dose inhalers, as these are not currently reported consistently in national emissions inventories.