ABS Signs Health Sector Climate Pledge
Jun. 29, 2023
On June 11th, the American Board of Surgery signed the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge.
The pledge is a voluntary commitment to reduce emissions and improve climate resilience. Signing organizations agree to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) oversees the health sector stakeholder pledge program. OCCHE envisions an American health sector that both: (1) adapts to increased crises and chronic stressors in service of its most vulnerable populations and (2) uses the best available evidence and technology to mitigate its own emissions. However, despite a growing recognition of the health problems associated with climate change and the need for action, many organizations - particularly those serving the most at-risk communities - struggle to make investments in sustainability and resilience because of insufficient funding.
The ABS set its baseline for the pledge at 2012 and has already met the goal of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
More information about the White House/HHS Health Sector Climate Pledge can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
About the ABS
The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 for the purpose of certifying individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of surgery. Surgeons certified by the ABS have completed at least five years of surgical training following medical school and successfully completed a written and oral examination process administered by the ABS. They must then maintain their board certification through ongoing learning and practice improvement activities.
The ABS offers board certification in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, complex general surgical oncology, surgery of the hand, and hospice and palliative medicine. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
