KPMG’s Research on The Bahama’s Climate Resilient Healthcare

Healthcare is a vast industry with 24/7 facilities that consume large amounts of energy whilst generating medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste that can be difficult to dispose of.

Research highlighted by KPMG shows that the sector accounts for nearly 5% of global carbon emissions through energy-intensive facilities, extensive supply chains and medical waste generation. 

The Bahamas is emerging as an example of how healthcare leaders can integrate sustainability and climate resilience into long-term planning while preparing for the growing health impacts of a warming planet.

Healthcare’s environmental footprint

Healthcare has traditionally focused on patient outcomes without fully accounting for the environmental impact of delivering care. 

Hospitals operate continuously, requiring substantial electricity, heating, cooling and water consumption while producing large volumes of pharmaceutical, medical and hazardous waste. 

Transportation networks and global supply chains can further increase the sector’s carbon footprint, making healthcare one of the more resource-intensive industries worldwide. 

According to KPMG and research on 18 healthcare systems by the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience, many health systems still lack routine mechanisms to measure emissions or track environmental performance. 

The sector has also lagged behind other industries in reporting carbon-reduction targets, despite mounting regulatory requirements in regions such as the European Union. 

At the same time, climate change is directly worsening public health outcomes through rising heat-related illness, respiratory disease, food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases.

“Rising demand is usually good news for business, but healthcare is different,” says Beccy Fenton, Global Head of Healthcare at KPMG International and Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare at KPMG UK, in the company’s 2025 CEO Outlook report.

“When public services face surging demand, governments are forced into tough trade offs between areas such as health, education and defence. 

“Productivity isn’t optional, it’s the key to survival for every healthcare organisation, public or private.” 

Strengthening climate-resilience

KPMG highlights that The Bahamas has accelerated efforts to strengthen healthcare resilience following the destruction caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. 

The storm severely damaged medical infrastructure across Grand Bahama and Abaco, leaving facilities inoperable and forcing emergency support organisations to deploy temporary healthcare services. 

In response, Bahamian health leaders began integrating climate resilience into future healthcare planning, including commitments to build new family health clinics designed to use significantly less energy and water. 

“I believe, health is in the hands of the people, and we must empower and train healthcare providers, youth and community leaders to become Climate Change and Health Ambassadors, advocates and agents of climate change action,” says Dr. Calae Philippe, Project Coordinator, Focal Point for a Climate Resilient Health System, Ministry of Health and Wellness for the Government of The Bahamas. 

Water purification infrastructure has also been upgraded with reverse osmosis systems installed above flood levels to maintain safe drinking water supplies after severe weather events. 

The country has additionally completed its first Health and Climate Country Profile with support from the World Health Organization, helping officials assess climate risks and identify mitigation opportunities. 

These measures are intended not only to protect healthcare delivery during disasters but also to reduce the environmental impact of the health system itself.

Sustainability beyond hospitals

Bahamian healthcare leaders are also focusing on how climate change will alter disease patterns and healthcare demand in the future. 

Rising temperatures and stronger weather events are expected to increase cases of dengue fever, heat stress and mental health conditions linked to climate disasters. 

At the same time, the government is exploring telemedicine to improve healthcare access for residents on remote islands while reducing emissions from air travel for specialist treatment. 

KPMG notes that healthcare organisations globally are beginning to recognise the need for comprehensive climate risk assessments, decarbonisation strategies and stronger environmental reporting frameworks. 

Many countries and territories have already committed to developing climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare systems, with several targeting net zero emissions by 2050. 

The Bahamas demonstrates how healthcare sustainability initiatives can simultaneously improve resilience, reduce environmental impact and support more equitable access to care.