AstraZeneca addresses climate-health link at NYC events
AstraZeneca participated in Climate Week NYC and UNGA78, highlighting the health impacts of climate change and healthcare's role in climate action.
Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has participated in Climate Week NYC and the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78), focusing on the intersection of climate and health.
The events underscored the significant health consequences of climate change, including increased frequency of heatwaves, droughts, and storms. Globally, environmental factors are linked to approximately one in four deaths, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to protect public health. AstraZeneca stated its commitment to strengthening health system resilience, equity, and sustainability.
The company is also working to reduce its own environmental footprint. Through its "Ambition Zero Carbon" program, AstraZeneca aims to halve absolute emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. This includes planting 200 million trees by the end of 2030.
AstraZeneca reported a 59.3% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emissions from a 2015 baseline, alongside reductions in water use and waste. The company is also partnering with renewable energy firms for clean heat solutions at its U.S. and U.K. sites.
Discussions at the events shared best practices and examples of public-private partnerships, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of transitioning towards sustainable, equitable, and resilient healthcare systems.