Nephrology
A Tale of Two Kidneys
How Is Climate Change Affecting Renal Health?
Kidneys are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Chronically, air pollution, dehydration secondary to heatwaves, migration of infectious disease all contribute to developing chronic kidney disease. Moreover, microplastics have been found in human kidney tissue, though the effects of this are still unknown.
Acutely, the effects of heatwaves in particular can cause acute dehydration and decompensation of chronic kidney disease. They can also cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances which may lead to sudden death.
Chronic exposure to higher temperatures increases the risk of kidney stones and recurrent UTIs, as well as the risk of repeated Acute Kidney Injury, leading to chronic kidney disease.
How is Nephrology Affecting Climate Change?
Nephrology is a resource intensive specialty, particularly once patients require dialysis. Medication use, high water and energy use for dialysis and patient transportation to appointments all adds to the environmental impact of care.
Large amounts of plastic consumption and waste disposal also add to the carbon footprint of nephrology.
Furthermore, inpatient care for acute kidney conditions requires significant resources and medication use, which adds to the carbon impact of healthcare.
12 Steps to a Green Kidney Unit
The UK Kidney Association, Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, and Sustainable Healthcare Coalition have created a really helpful resource to help reduce the environmental impact of your renal unit.
Discussion Ideas with Patients and Colleagues
Patients:
"Hot weather can worsen your kidney condition. It is important to stay hydrated during hot periods and keep cool so you don't require hospital admission."
Colleagues
"Could we look into strategies to recycle our used dialysis fluid?"
"How could we set up a home dialysis service in our area?"
Highest impact actions for Nephrology Departments
Embed climate change and healthcare sustainability into all education and governance activities
Good medicines management to ensure unnecessary medications aren't prescribed
Encourage early prevention strategies to prevent people requiring dialysis
For More Information
Visit the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and join the Sustainability Kidney Network where there are plenty of resources, ideas and opportunities for networking available