Climate change and health in planetary perspectives: challenges for the health sector

Human health has improved dramatically, but biodiversity is in crisis, with over 1 million species at risk of extinction. Human activities, such as deforestation and resource overuse, have accelerated environmental changes, known as Anthropocene Acceleration. The Planetary Boundaries framework identifies nine ecological limits, including climate change and biodiversity loss. By 2023, six of these boundaries had been exceeded, threatening human survival. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is causing extreme weather, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions. The IPCC warns that surpassing 1.5°C will have severe consequences. Climate inequality is worsening, as the wealthiest 10% produce nearly half of global emissions, while low-income populations bear most climate-related economic and health burdens. Biodiversity loss further increases infectious disease risks, necessitating a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. The healthcare sector contributes 4.6% of global emissions, requiring urgent action to become carbon-neutral. South Korea’s climate-health policies need to expand beyond infectious diseases to chronic conditions and vulnerable populations including future generations. While WHO advocates integrating climate resilience with emission reductions, ensuring a sustainable, health-centered response to the climate crisis, South Korea lacks GHG reduction targets for healthcare sectors. To address this, South Korea should mandate carbon reporting for healthcare, integrate emissions reduction in hospital accreditation, provide sustainability incentives. Improving high-emission medical practices requires healthcare awareness, behavioral change, and scientific evidence for safety.