Doctors Warn NHS May Miss Net Zero Target Without Urgent Leadership and Investment
A new report from the British Medical Association (BMA) reveals growing concern among doctors over whether the NHS can realistically meet its ambitious net zero target by 2040–45. While support for sustainable healthcare is overwhelmingly high across the profession, many doctors say they lack the influence, resources and organisational backing needed to drive meaningful environmental change within the health service.
In the BMA’s latest survey, more than 200 doctors shared their views on sustainability in the NHS. An impressive 82% believe doctors should play an active role in helping the NHS transition to net zero — yet more than half (56%) feel they have only “a little” influence on sustainability decisions in their workplace. Alarmingly, nearly one in three (29%)say they have no influence at all, with hospital doctors reporting the lowest levels of empowerment.
Despite these limitations, doctors across primary and secondary care are leading a wide range of successful sustainability projects — often on their own initiative and outside of contracted hours. These include reducing the use of high-emission anaesthetic gases, cutting reliance on metered dose inhalers, advancing digital transformation, and undertaking large-scale de-prescribing initiatives. These efforts target some of the most significant contributors to the NHS carbon footprint.
However, the report highlights a concerning disconnect: while NHS England says the service is on track to meet interim net zero goals, only a minority of doctors believe the current timelines are achievable. Many cite poor communication, lack of system-wide coordination, and insufficient engagement with frontline clinicians as key reasons for this scepticism.
Doctors also identified major structural barriers holding back progress, including:
- Lack of timeto participate in sustainability programmes
- Insufficient financial investmentand limited local budgets
- Heavy reliance on single-use plastics and equipment, particularly in hospitals
- Lack of supporting infrastructure, such as sterilisation facilities for reusable clinical tools
- Minimal leadership visibility or accountabilityaround sustainability plans
Although 80% of doctors support switching to reusable equipment, they point to significant upfront costs, limited management engagement, and inadequate systems to implement such changes safely and effectively.
BMA President Professor John Chisholm voiced strong concern over the findings, saying:
“Our survey shows a genuine commitment among doctors to help the NHS reach net zero and reduce its dependence on single-use plastics. But too many clinicians receive little support or encouragement, especially in secondary care. The lack of coordination and slow pace of change are deeply frustrating. If the NHS is to meet its sustainability targets, this must change.”
The BMA continues to push for greater leadership, investment and national coordination to accelerate progress, including through its contribution to the 2025 UK Policy Brief for the Lancet Countdown, which outlines key health and climate priorities for the UK.
