Should Doctors Commit to the Planet and Future Health?

The degradation of the environment and climate crises directly threaten human health. For decades, doctors have been encouraged to consider the health consequences of these upheavals. A recent study shows that they are aware of these issues and are ready to act, but often face personal or professional obstacles.

Doctors hold a unique position to inform patients and anticipate climate-related risks. They are encouraged to educate themselves on the links between pollution, global warming, and diseases, in order to adapt their diagnoses and advice. For example, they must understand how air quality or heatwaves worsen allergies, respiratory problems, or cardiovascular diseases. Their role is not limited to treating patients: they are also urged to raise awareness about environmental dangers, promote healthier lifestyles for the planet, and advocate for protective public policies.

Beyond the doctor’s office, their influence extends to hospitals and institutions. They can reduce the ecological footprint of healthcare by limiting waste, favoring less polluting equipment, or supporting responsible investments. Some even call for a complete overhaul of medical practices to align them with ecological challenges, such as prescribing less energy-intensive treatments or raising awareness about sustainable food.

However, these new responsibilities raise questions. How can they reconcile their duty to each patient with their duty to the community and future generations? Some fear that these commitments may distract from traditional missions or create conflicts of interest. Others believe, on the contrary, that protecting the environment is an integral part of their ethics, just like the fight against epidemics or social inequalities.

Expectations are varied: should doctors limit themselves to informing, or also advocate for systemic changes? Is their legitimacy to speak about climate called into question if their advice seems too far removed from their medical expertise? Despite these debates, one thing is clear: environmental crises make it essential to reflect on the role of healthcare professionals in protecting the planet and long-term health.

About Our Sources

Cited Study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-026-10339-1

Title: Physicians’ ethical responsibilities in relation to the climate and further environmental crises: a review of academic publications

Journal: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Cristian Timmermann; Katharina J. Pascale Wabnitz; Kerstin Schlögl-Flierl; Verina Wild