Can we sustain modern medicine without destroying our planet?

The Pill and the Planet - Ian Mudway · 58:47 · Video: Gresham College · Watch at the source

In short: As medical advancements extend human lifespans, they leave behind a significant ecological footprint. This lecture by Dr. Ian Mudway examines the hidden environmental costs of healthcare, from pharmaceutical pollution to medical waste.

Dr. Ian Mudray, a Visiting Professor of Environmental Health, explores the tension between individual longevity and planetary health. The discussion investigates how drugs and their metabolites impact ecosystems, alongside the carbon footprint of the healthcare industry and the pollution caused by single-use plastics and medical waste.

The lecture considers whether a sustainable model exists, evaluating potential solutions such as green pharmacy, the development of innovative materials, and more responsible waste management strategies to balance human health with a thriving environment.

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