The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it’s already affecting healthcare. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and worsening air quality are driving up cases of respiratory diseases, mental health issues, and resource shortages.
The Medical Schools Council’s Education for Sustainable Healthcare: A curriculum for the UK tells us that healthcare itself is a major contributor to global emissions, responsible for around 5% of the UK’s greenhouse gases.
The University of Liverpool is taking action. Last month, it launched its Sustainability Strategy 2031, and the Clinical Skills and Simulation Lab was awarded a Bronze LEAF Award for its efforts to become more environmentally sustainable—a success made possible by a student’s incredible RS3 project!
Now, the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has introduced an exciting new module: Sustainability in Health and Life Sciences. This optional module is a flexible, engaging way to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a difference.
Why Should You Get Involved?
- Boost your career prospects – Sustainability is an increasingly valuable skill in medicine, and research. Completing this module will earn you HEAR recognition and valuable transferable skills which will help your CV.
- Make a real-world impact – Learn how climate change affects health and how you, as a healthcare professional, can be part of the solution. Gain actionable knowledge and tangible ways to make positive change.
- Flexible and easy to engage with – No exams or coursework. You can choose from short courses, volunteering, articles, and online discussions. Simply complete three reflections on your experiences to gain recognition.
How to Get Started
The module is open to all students across Health and Life Sciences. Enrol on Canvas to browse module content, pick topics that interest you, and start exploring. Whether it’s sustainable healthcare, antimicrobial resistance, food security, or the hedgehog friendly campus scheme, you’ll find engaging ways to learn and apply your knowledge.
Become a Sustainability Champion
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you’ve been doing—whether it’s a project, volunteer work, or research related to sustainability, let us know and feature in student newsletters, events, or even university-wide initiatives.
Interested in becoming a Sustainability Champion? Get in touch and be part of the movement for a greener, healthier future.
Discover More
The University of Liverpool is making strides in sustainability, climbing 8 places in the 2025 QS Sustainability Ranking - now 42nd globally and 16th in the UK!
See what events are coming up on the University of Liverpool’s Sustainability News page.
Liv Uni Sustainability promote opportunities within the University and support with the delivery of sustainability policies.