Climate change impacts public health. Pharmaceutical companies are responding to keep people healthy with prevention, medicines and vaccines. At the same time, this industry is responsible for four to five percent of net emissions worldwide. Manufacturers have set concrete goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the patient supply chain.

This includes switching to renewable energies as well as reducing high energy consumption and developing specific standards that encourage suppliers to decarbonize and produce raw materials. It is important to reduce environmentally harmful residues during production. Manufacturing and product design lead the way to a circular economy; Procurement and logistics are looking for more environmentally friendly options for transporting goods.

The focus is on social aspects such as affordable access to medication for poorer people, children and the population in emerging countries, higher storage temperatures and security of supply as well as the handling of clinical studies and pricing. Prevention through healthy lifestyles, digital apps and avoiding negative interactions is another trend. The effectiveness and combating of major diseases, e.g. through new processes, is the industry’s main lever for society. Transformation succeeds with better operational processes and ensuring affordable, effective healthcare.

The industry includes, for example, manufacturers of pharmaceutical raw materials, specialties and other products.