Did you know that some gases used in surgeries contribute massively to climate change? Inhaled anesthetics, like desflurane, are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. But here’s some good news: the largest teaching hospital in Europe, Charité in Berlin, has reduced emissions from anesthetic gases by over 80% in just five years!
How did they do it? Education and leadership. The hospital completely stopped using desflurane, switching to safer alternatives like propofol, an injected anesthetic that doesn’t harm the climate. They also raised awareness among anesthesiologists about the environmental impact of their choices.
Why does this matter? 2024 is the first year global warming has exceeded 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, which means more extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods. Small changes—like hospitals choosing different anesthetics—can make a big difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
And this movement is spreading! UCSF in California, where desflurane was originally developed, has also eliminated its use, cutting emissions equivalent to 240 gas-powered cars per year. Even the American Society of Anesthesiologists now recommends using lower amounts of another common anesthetic, sevoflurane, to reduce its environmental impact.
This shift shows how healthcare and sustainability can go hand in hand. If hospitals worldwide follow Charité’s lead, we could see a huge reduction in emissions without compromising patient care.
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