Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia (HCWH) and Green Practice Japan, held an online seminar titled “Climate and Health 101” on September 13, 2025. During the seminar, the official release of the Japanese version of the Climate Impact Checkup (CIC) Tool was announced.

■ Seminar Overview
The seminar explored a wide range of topics, including the impacts of climate change on human health, the responsibilities and potential roles of the healthcare sector, and practical approaches healthcare institutions can take toward realizing a decarbonized society.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shared updates on the initiatives on climate change and health. Furthermore, the seminar brought together speakers from various backgrounds, including healthcare professionals actively engaged in decarbonization efforts and domestic and international experts, to discuss how climate change affects health and how the healthcare sector can respond. In addition to the latest insights on the relationship between climate and health, participants learned about Japan’s healthcare decarbonization initiatives and practical applications of the CIC Tool. The seminar also featured case studies from healthcare institutions working on-site, demonstrating how addressing climate change can contribute to improving healthcare quality and benefiting local communities.

The seminar recording can be viewed at the link below:

Seminar Recording

Passcode: 7$.#ci&u

■ About the “Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool”
The CIC tool was developed to help healthcare institutions measure and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Over the course of a year, HCWH Southeast Asia, HGPI, and Green Practice Japan collaborated to develop a Japanese version of the tool tailored for use by Japanese healthcare facilities.

As the healthcare sector is estimated to account for about 4% of global GHG emissions, this tool aims to support healthcare institutions in taking concrete steps toward decarbonization and climate resilience. The tool is available in both online and downloadable spreadsheet formats and has already been adopted in over 70 countries, with more than 1,370 datasets submitted globally.

How to Use the Tool

• By completing HCWH’s “Climate Checkup Online Course,” users can access the spreadsheet version.
• By joining the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) Network, managed by HCWH, users can access both the online and spreadsheet versions. Membership also allows access to shared data and decarbonization case studies from more than 2,000 member institutions worldwide.
  
  

■ Next Steps
In 2026, an in-person training session on how to use the tool is planned. Those interested in receiving updates are encouraged to pre-register using the link below.

Pre-register from here.

[Overview]

• Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025; 15:00-17:00 JST
• Format: Online (Zoom webinar)
• Language: Japanese and English (simultaneous interpretation available)
• Participation Fee: Free
  
  

[Program] (Titles omitted)

15:00-15:05 Opening and welcome

15:05-15:10 Opening remarks

Masato Izutsu (Senior Coordinator, Global Health, International Affairs Division, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

15:10-15:25 “The Climate and Health Nexus”

Melody Mel-Rijk (Regional Climate Manager, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia)

15:25-15:40 “Decarbonizing Japan’s Healthcare Sector: Progress, Challenges, and the Road to 2030”

Joji Sugawara (Vice President, Health and Global Policy Institute)

15:40-15:55 Open Forum and Q&A

15:55-16:10 “Launch of the Japanese Version of the Climate Impact Checkup Tool”

Sanskrithi Takur (Data Scientist, Health Care Without Harm)

16:10-16:25 “Facility-Based Best Practices and Case Studies”

Takafumi Sasaki (Clinic Director, Medical COOP Kousei Ekimae Clinic/ Chair, Green Practice Japan)

16:25-16:40 “Healthcare Pomotes Green Initiatives in Japan”

Motohisa Kojo (Chair, Japan Zero Carbon Welfare Association/ Chairman, Hakuhokai Group)

16:40-16:50 Next Steps and Q&A

16:50-17:00 Closing remarks

Kei Yokota (Okayama Kyuritsu Hospital / Board Member, Green Practice Japan)

 

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Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia
Health Care Without Harm seeks to transform health care worldwide so that it reduces its environmental impact, becomes a community anchor for sustainability, and a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice. Health Care Without Harm’s focus was born from the simple but important oath: “First, do no harm.” Today, our approach has evolved to focus on healing the harm caused by the health care sector while creating and protecting the climate and our health well into the future. Health Care Without Harm offers a community of sustainable health care experts, helpful resources, and actionable knowledge to guide the way in building a more sustainable, climate-smart health care sector.

Green Practice Japan
Green Practice Japan is an organization composed of healthcare professionals and clinic managers in Japan. The mission of Green Practice Japan is to promote environmentally conscious practices and sustainable initiatives in medical care and the delivery of healthcare services in Japan. Dedicated to advancing the green initiative, the organization seeks to bring transformative change to how medical care is practiced and delivered nationwide. Recognizing the significant environmental impact of medical activities, Green Practice Japan takes the lead in efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, minimize waste generation, and incorporate eco-friendly practices into the daily operations of healthcare facilities.