Integrating disruptive technology and sustainability across the value chain can enable pharma companies to deliver life-changing medicines to patients while protecting the environment for future generations
The climate crisis is the largest public health crisis of our time. It is increasing levels of ill health, with a rise in respiratory illnesses, cancer, and heart conditions, as well as infectious diseases, and is also jeopardising access to the basic provision of healthcare. The impacts of climate change are affecting the most vulnerable populations and putting greater pressure on health systems that are already stretched.
At the same time, the health sector accounts for around 5 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The development, manufacture, and delivery of medicines are energy intensive, and there is a need and opportunity to deliver more sustainable, low-carbon healthcare.
And the systems that deliver this care must be able to respond and adapt to the changing world while managing population health needs.
This year’s climate change conference, COP28, marked the first-ever Health Day of an international climate conference. It was a momentous occasion to put health at the heart of climate change and emphasise the role of the private sector in addressing the nexus between climate and health.
By leveraging science and partnering with the public and private sectors, global leaders catalysed broader action to reduce global warming and work towards net-zero health systems that are resilient and equitable.
For a healthier tomorrow
Climate change and the degradation of ecosystems are already exerting adverse effects on human health. Bold climate action coupled with investments in nature and biodiversity are vital to improving the health of people and the planet. In the face of existing socio-economic and environmental challenges, we must prioritise building sustainable, resilient, and equitable health systems that protect current and future generations.
The healthcare industry must collectively play our part in addressing a range of challenges, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.
There is a growing emphasis on the environmental impact of goods and services, and companies are under greater environmental scrutiny. This underscores the importance of establishing environmental targets and performance underpinned by robust scientific evidence.
Addressing environmental challenges is multifaceted; a systems-level approach is needed to achieve improved healthcare outcomes while minimising the environmental footprint.
Energy efficiency: Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes can be energy intensive. Embracing decarbonisation involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in production, and investing in sustainable technologies.
For instance, many pharmaceutical companies in India have emissions reduction targets, while the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Health Systems Task Force, a public-private partnership launched at COP26, is driving health system decarbonisation.
Supply chain optimisation: In the Pharma sector, around 50 percent of the emissions come from the supply chain, with heat, power, and logistics being significant contributors.
Collaboration is therefore essential as we transform global supply chains. Ahead of COP28, the SMI Health Systems Task Force announced industry-first agreements in China and India to unlock renewable power capacity for the global supply chain.
Responsible sourcing: By adopting sustainable and responsible sourcing practices, companies can ensure raw materials are obtained ethically and without harming ecosystems. Furthermore, the shift from a take-make-waste economy to a circular one has immense opportunities to halt biodiversity loss.
The industry needs to contribute towards the growing circular economy, a concept based on the idea that resources should be retained and regenerated in the same way that natural ecosystems reuse and recycle chemicals and nutrients to generate new raw materials.
Biodiversity preservation: Engaging in efforts to protect and restore biodiversity is essential. Decreasing biodiversity limits access to raw materials of natural origin that the industry relies on to discover, develop, and produce life-changing medicines.
To reverse this trend, companies can collaborate with conservation organisations or invest in projects that aim to restore biodiversity and natural habitats in the regions where they operate.
Policy engagement: The pharmaceutical industry can play a proactive role in advocating for policies that promote sustainability and address climate change. This includes supporting regulations that incentivise low-carbon technologies and investments in resilient and equitable.
Industry collaboration: Partnership within the pharmaceutical sector and across industries is crucial. Sharing best practices, collectively investing in sustainability initiatives, and collaborating on research efforts can amplify the impact of individual companies. For instance, the SMI Health Systems Task Force is developing frameworks to measure the environmental impact of medicines and the delivery of patient care.
Everyone has a role to play in addressing the climate crisis, from companies to governments to citizens. Integrating disruptive technology and sustainability across the pharmaceutical value chain can enable companies to deliver life-changing medicines to patients while protecting the environment for future generations.
What is more, by weaving biodiversity preservation and decarbonisation into operations, the pharmaceutical industry can not only fulfil corporate responsibilities but propel the sector into a vanguard role in the global endeavour to combat climate change.
It is a noble pursuit that aligns seamlessly with the commitment to advancing human health and well-being while safeguarding the integrity of the planet we call home.
(Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Managing Director and Country President, AstraZeneca India.)