30-31 - NET ZERO : Net result

This year, the NHS became the first health system to embed net zero into legislation. Its goal of achieving net zero by 2040, however, is challenging when every stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain has a carbon footprint – from packaging pills to active pharmaceutical ingredient development.

To identify the best route towards net-zero emissions, the NHS established an NHS Net Zero Expert Panel, which reviewed around 600 pieces of evidence and used it to conduct extensive analysis and modelling. Two targets were created as a result of this analysis. For the emissions that the NHS controls directly, the aim is to reach net zero by 2040 with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2028-2032.For emissions that the NHS influences, the aim is to reach net zero by 2045 with an ambition to reach an 80% reduction by 2036-2039.

One suggestion the NHS has made in its Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service report is to focus on interventions in medicine, which accounts for 25% of emissions within the NHS. These emissions are primarily caused by anaesthetics gases (2% of emissions) and inhalers (3% of emissions) that occur at the point of use. The remaining 20% of emissions were found within the supply chain from manufacturing to transportation.

One way that pharmaceutical companies are trying to decarbonise is through developing low carbon inhalers. Most emissions from inhalers come from the propellant in metered-dose inhalers, rather than the gas itself. 45% of GSK’s total carbon emissions are a result of metered-dose inhalers.

To tackle this, GSK has started an initiative to find a more environmentally friendly propellant alternative. One of these propellants that is currently in preclinical testing, is anticipated to reduce inhaler related emissions by up to 90% cent.

Drug formulation also has an impact on carbon emissions, particularly when it comes to how a drug needs to be stored. For example, during COVID-19, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna both used similar mRNA technology.

Pfizer’s vaccine, however, needed to be stored at a much lower temperature, between -80 degrees Celsius and -60 degrees Celsius, while Moderna’s vaccine could be stored in a standard freezer, which kept the vaccine at -25 degrees Celsius to -15 degrees Celsius. When a drug is formulated so it can be stored at a closer ambient temperature, it reduces the amount of energy required to keep it stable in the long term, reducing carbon emissions.

Organisations like My Green Lab and Green Light Laboratories have been created to help laboratories improve their environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and reliance on single-use plastics. One method of achieving this is through the My Green Lab Certification. By asking 50% of people within a lab to complete a survey, My Green Lab can discern what priorities need to be made to improve a lab’s sustainability. Solutions as a result of the survey could include changing suppliers, changing the set points of freezers or simply turning off equipment when not in use.

Decarbonising medicine not only benefits the planet, but is also a preventative form of healthcare. The health effects of climate change include heatstroke, asthma, malnutrition and many more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the dangers of misinformation in the science industry. This phenomenon has been amplified with the popularity of forums and platforms that act as news distribution networks without a filter or editorial oversight.

Public exposure to conspiracy theories can have a big impact on public health, most notably around the subject of vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccine was hit by various claims that it could make women infertile, change a person’s genetic code and even cause cancer. Tackling misinformation requires joint effort between governments, social media creators, local leaders and the scientific community.

One way that laboratories are trying to tackle misinformation is by using modern media methods like podcasts – which are fast gaining popularity. The Mayo Clinic Laboratories has created a podcast called Answers From the Lab.

In one particular episode, Dr Bill Morice discusses tackling COVID-19 misinformation, specifically around PCR tests. Podcast genres are incredibly diverse and, done right, can reach millions of people. Listeners of podcasts account for 20% of all internet users, making them an accessible tactic to share information.

As universities, laboratories and scientific societies use popular media forms to share knowledge, they close the communication gap between scientists and the rest of the population. Increased communication can also mean an increase in trust.

In the 2020/21 Wellcome Global Monitor survey, 77% of respondents said they trusted scientists either “a lot” or “some”. This was a 9% increase from the 2018 survey, which could be explained by the increased communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A study into the influence of education on health by Raghupathi and Raghupathi found that adults with a higher level of education had better health and lifespans compared to their lesser-educated peers. Scientists can encourage students to take an interest in STEM through visits to the classroom, reaching out to schools and offering tours around the lab or even providing free educational material for students.

In a collaboration between Canterbury Christ Church University and Discovery Park, a community lab has been set up to provide support to schools across Kent. The lab offers access to industrial-standard laboratory space and equipment to BTEC and A-Level students to encourage young people to pursue STEM subjects in further education.

The project has also been supported by Pfizer and Kent County Council, bringing together local government and scientists towards a common goal.

By opening up communication channels, engaging with the community and building trust, laboratories are able to make an impact on the spread of misinformation.