When it comes to green and environmental issues, airports and aeroplanes are usually seen as the villain of the piece. However new research shows that in terms of carbon emissions, the sector may not be so bad after all.

American researchers have found that the US health sector is responsible for nearly a tenth of the country’s carbon emissions – almost three times the amount of carbon that the airline industry pumps out. Despite this disparity, the health care sector hardly ever gets flack for it’s less-than-green credentials whilst the airline industry seems to have more than it’s fair share of criticism.

The carbon emissions from health care are from many different areas – including scientific research, hospitals, and the production and distribution of pharmaceuticals. In total, the American health care system is said to churn out eight percent of the country’s carbon emissions, compared to three percent for the aviation industry and two percent for IT.

The airline industry is already looking into greener measures including more fuel efficient air craft, carbon penalties, and more efficient and greener fuels. Perhaps health care companies now also need to look at their green credentials more carefully and follow the lead of the aviation industry by investigating and investing in more environmentally friendly options for the future.

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