AstraZeneca: Pharmaceuticals & Environmental Sustainability

The pharmaceutical sector stands at a critical juncture where the imperative to advance human health must align with urgent environmental and systemic challenges.

Climate change is already exacerbating global health challenges, increasing disease burden and widening health inequalities whilst placing additional strain on healthcare systems.

AstraZeneca's approach to embedding sustainability across its operations offers a framework that could inform broader industry transformation, from research and manufacturing to patient care delivery.

Recognising the deep interconnection between human health, environmental stability and resilient health systems, the global pharmaceutical company's sustainability strategy focuses on delivering long-term value for society whilst reducing its impact on the planet.

Through science, collaboration and investment, the organisation is working to accelerate the transition to net zero, sustainable healthcare.

Science-based carbon reduction strategy

Healthcare is responsible for around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely driven by supply chains and product use.

This reality demands systematic decarbonisation across pharmaceutical value chains.

"We are in an exciting era of science and innovation that holds the promise of delivering medical breakthroughs and transforming healthcare for billions of people worldwide," says Pam Cheng, Executive Vice President, Global Operations & IT and Chief Sustainability Officer, AstraZeneca.

"At AstraZeneca, we recognise we have an important role to play in realising this potential.

"We want to close healthcare gaps to improve health equity, strengthen the resilience of health systems to meet current and future needs and support the health of our planet by reducing our environmental footprint and investing in climate and nature action."

AstraZeneca is addressing both sides of this challenge through its Ambition Zero Carbon strategy, backed by more than US$1 bn in investment to decarbonise its operations and value chain.

The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 98% by 2026 and cut Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030 on the path to science-based net zero by 2045.

This includes transitioning its global fleet to electric vehicles, increasing renewable energy use, improving energy productivity and tackling high-impact emissions sources such as fluorinated gases used in inhaler production.

AstraZeneca was among the first companies globally to have its net zero pathway verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative.

Nature Protection and Biodiversity

Beyond carbon metrics, the pharmaceutical industry must consider its broader environmental footprint, particularly regarding nature and biodiversity loss.

"Halting and reversing nature loss is critical for human health," says Liz Chatwin, Vice President, Global Sustainability & SHE, AstraZeneca.

"We are taking action across our value chain and working with our peers to improve the health of people and our planet."

The company's global AZ Forest programme aims to plant 200 million trees across six continents by 2030, restoring ecosystems, supporting local livelihoods and helping to balance residual emissions through high-quality, nature-based solutions.

More than 40 million trees have already been planted since 2020.

AstraZeneca is also reducing its use of natural resources and minimising pollution across its value chain.

It has achieved a 23% reduction in water use compared to a 2015 baseline and reduced waste by 13% over the same period, whilst growing its business.

Initiatives include sustainable sourcing of raw materials, strict controls on pharmaceutical discharges to protect water quality and investment in circular solutions for plastics and packaging.

In 2025, AstraZeneca published its first Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures report, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and nature-positive action.

Healthcare System Resilience

Ageing populations, chronic disease and environmental shocks are placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare services worldwide.

Sustainability extends beyond environmental performance to strengthening health systems and addressing health inequalities.

In response, AstraZeneca works with governments, health systems, academia and non-governmental organisations to co-create solutions that could improve prevention, early diagnosis and access to evidence-based care.

A key example is the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience, established with the London School of Economics and the World Economic Forum.

Active in more than 30 countries, the initiative delivers research-backed policy recommendations to help health systems become more resilient, equitable and sustainable.

By combining climate action, nature protection and health system transformation, this approach demonstrates how pharmaceutical companies could play a central role in building a healthier future for people, society and the planet.