ESICM podcast series: Intensive Care in a Changing Climate

While awareness of sustainability is growing, many clinicians still wonder where the environmental impact of intensive care actually comes from.

In this episode, prof Forbes McGain explores the main sources of carbon emissions and waste in the ICU—from energy-intensive equipment and single-use consumables to pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and supply chains. Which aspects of intensive care contribute most to the carbon footprint, and where can meaningful reductions be achieved?

We also examine real-world examples of sustainability projects that have successfully reduced waste and emissions in healthcare settings. What actions have proven effective, and what lessons can be applied across different ICUs?

Perhaps most importantly, we address a common concern: will greener practices compromise patient care? Can sustainability initiatives improve efficiency without affecting outcomes, or are there trade-offs that healthcare professionals need to acknowledge?

Finally, we confront some of the uncomfortable truths surrounding environmental change. What changes will require us to rethink long-established practices? And how can the intensive care community balance its commitment to delivering the best possible care today while protecting the health of future generations?