10 things a doctor can do to combat climate change

All greenhouse gas emission units are in kg CO₂e

Calculation for GP visit with additional patient education session

• GP consultation: 1.1
• Two visits to GP practice: (0.56 x 2) x 2
• Patient education session: 1.6
• 1.1 + (0.56 x 4) + 1.6 = 4.94

Calculation for emergency visit when brought in by ambulance

• Single ambulance trip: 36
• Emergency department visit: 14
• 36 + 14 = 50

Therefore an emergency department visit when brought in by ambulance produces 10 times more greenhouse gas emissions than a patient visiting their GP then receiving an additional patient education session at their GP practice on a separate occasion.