Changing My Carbon Footprint

Preparing the primary article for this issue of JCN, “Nurses, Faith, and Climate Change” (Kurnat-Thoma, 2026) has been enlightening for me (as well as convicting). Previously, I hadn't thought about my personal carbon footprint or how I contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. (A quick primer: GHGs create a necessary “greenhouse effect” of trapping the sun's energy to keep the earth warm. However, the increase of artificial GHGs [i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorocarbons, ozone] is trapping too much heat and leading to global warming [Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2025a]. Global warming is contributing to air pollution, the spread of disease, severe weather events, changing food production, and displacing people and animals (United Nations [UN], n.d.). Why should nurses be concerned about global warming? Global warming is adversely impacting health around the world, including for our communities, families, and patients (UN, n.d.). Furthermore, why should Christians be concerned? God gave his people the job of caring for the earth (Genesis 1:26-30) as well as for each other (Matthew 22:37-39). As God's people today, we need to pay attention and respond to what is happening in our world. When the subject of global warming comes up, I typically think of industrial waste from big companies as the culprit. Industrial pollution is a significant problem; however, the burning of fossil fuels for everyday electricity, heat, and transportation is the biggest contributor to GHGs (EPA, 2025b; UN, n.d.). Ouch. That means I personally contribute to GHGs. What can I do to reduce GHG emissions? That sounds like a no-duh question. Some ways to do this are obvious, like decrease my vehicle use (carpool? public transportation? ride a bike if possible?) or use less electricity in my home (turn lights off; reset the AC/heater thermostat, wash clothes in cold water). But other ways are not so obvious. For example, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a man-made class of gases, have a particularly high global warming potential because HFCs stay in the atmosphere longer and absorb and reflect heat stronger than other GHGs. Hydrofluorocarbons are used in aerosols, refrigeration, air conditioning (AC), building insulation, and fire extinguishing systems (EPA, 2025c). Could I reduce the number of HFC-powered aerosols I use (i.e., try non-aerosol spritzers/sprayers)? Could I adjust my home thermostat to use less energy? Install solar power? What type of HFC is in my home refrigerator/freezer? Does my vehicle use a lower global warming potential refrigerant for the AC system? Might I check the type of refrigerant when I purchase a new vehicle in the future? As a nursing professional, I also need to think about decarbonizing healthcare. Actions individuals can take also apply to healthcare organizations: transition to renewable energy (electric transport vehicles); use less electricity (turn off lights, computer monitors when not in use); look for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. On a larger scale, I can advocate for the production of low-carbon medications, especially anesthetics, and for the building of environmentally friendly hospitals (Health Care Without Harm, 2026; Hough & Cohen Tanugi-Carresse, 2024). After reviewing the evidence, I realize I need to reduce my personal as well as our healthcare carbon footprints. What would a lower-carbon lifestyle look like? How can I rethink everyday travel to burn less fossil fuel? What are ways I can save water? The United Nations has created a free mobile app called AWorld that calculates your carbon footprint. Find the app and other resources to help us work on our carbon footprint at these websites: AWorld app: https://actnow.aworld.org/ Earth911: https://earth911.com/ Environmental Working Group: https://www.ewg.org/ Health Care Without Harm: https://healthcareclimateaction.org/roadmap SNAP Program: https://www.epa.gov/snap