Pharma's Green Prescription For A Healthier Planet And People

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting every aspect of life on Earth. Its impact on public health is profound, from the exacerbation of respiratory conditions to the spread of infectious diseases. Producing life-changing medications leads to greenhouse gas emissions, which means the pharmaceutical industry has a significant role to play in addressing the climate crisis. However, in recent years, this industry has begun investing in more sustainable approaches to research and development, and manufacturing. By embedding a sustainable mindset across pharmaceutical value chains and adopting innovative digital technology, the industry can contribute to a healthier planet and, consequently, healthier people. 

The healthcare sector is on the frontline when it comes to addressing the health impacts of climate change. However, the sector is also responsible for nearly 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, including due to the energy-intensive processes involved in producing and distributing medicines. 

Across all industries, collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to drive sustainability. By partnering with academia, government agencies, and non-profit organisations, pharmaceutical companies can exchange best practices, leverage expertise, and drive collective action to address climate change and promote environmental stewardship.

Some of the ways in which the pharmaceutical industry can reduce environmental impacts include: 

1. Adopting renewable energy sources: By transitioning to renewables, these companies can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and build supply chain resilience. Efficient and clean energy storage methods can prevent challenges posed by power shortages, and investing in greener transportation options, such as electric vehicles, can further reduce emissions. 

1. Land restoration: Nature provides the inspiration and raw materials for developing many life-changing medicines. However, unbridled extraction and sourcing can damage fragile ecosystems, affecting nature and biodiversity. Companies must invest in and encourage the preservation of these ecosystems. Through landscape restoration programmes, some companies are already taking action, helping to build ecological and community resilience. 

1. Water stewardship: Pharmaceutical production processes require plentiful freshwater, in addition to which pharmaceuticals in the environment can affect biodiversity. Companies need to employ innovative methods, such as recycling and reusing greywater, to reduce water consumption, while effective water treatment systems are essential to prevent pollution. 

1. Effective supply chains: Ensuring supply chain sustainability means partnering with a robust and efficient global network that enables the quick and seamless transport of potentially fragile goods, preventing delays that can lead to waste. Using eco-friendly packaging can further reduce the environmental footprint. 

1. Embracing a circular economy: A linear production model is not sustainable. Where possible, companies need to adopt a circular approach to drug production. Improvements in circularity at all production stages can help minimise waste, utilise by-products as raw materials, and ensure more efficient use of resources. 

1. Collaborative partnerships: No company can solve the climate crisis alone. Companies need to work together and collaborate to accelerate decarbonisation and drive action at scale, sharing and adopting best practices that benefit everyone. 

Climate and healthcare are intrinsically linked 

Mitigating the impacts of climate change demands urgent action. The pharmaceutical industry has the responsibility to act and the ability to lead by example. By working together, stakeholders can put into practice long-term solutions to accelerate the transition to net zero, while at the same time improving global health outcomes. Innovation is the lifeblood of this industry. By leveraging this innovative spirit, pharma has started to unlock the solutions to reduce emissions. 

Giving everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible is at the heart of a sustainable future. But to do that we need to heal the planet. By integrating sustainable practices into their core strategies, and addressing climate change head-on, pharmaceutical companies can lead the way, benefiting both human health and the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.

(Sanjeev Panchal, Country President & Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd.)