A recently released report offers a stark picture of the current state of healthcare sustainability. From manufacturing drugs to developing new treatments, the healthcare industry has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge science. Diseases that were untreatable a century ago are no longer even considered a problem due to the industry’s intense research and development (R&D) efforts. While the progress in the sector is commendable, it comes at a high cost – its environmental impact. A 2019 study by Health Care Without Harm found that the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint contributes to 4.4 % of total global emissions. Another study found that the carbon footprint of public companies in the sector was at least 197 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent – or t CO ₂ e – higher than in the semiconductor, forestry and paper industries; in context, these three industries are considered the most carbon-intensive. When you consider that the healthcare industry outperforms the others, there is a clear need to address the elephant in the room. (Tanaaz Khan)