Rethinking arthroscopy: orthopaedic surgeons’ responsibility in combating climate change through sustainable practices

Abstract

In recent months, South Africa has experienced a series of extreme weather events that underscore the growing impact of climate change on our planet. The rare and destructive tornado that struck KwaZulu-Natal in May and June of 2024, the unusual snowfall in Gauteng in 2023, and the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces serve as stark reminders of the changing climate. A startling truth has been revealed by recent studies: the healthcare sector is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for an alarming 4 to 5% of these emissions globally.¹ Reports indicate that the healthcare sector would rank as the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases if it were a country, highlighting the urgent need for immediate attention to this sobering reality.² The operating theatre is the most prominent example of this impact within the healthcare ecosystem, as the convergence of technological advancements and surgical practices has introduced an era of unprecedented consumption. In an effort to serve as an appeal to my colleagues, I have composed this editorial.