Innovative pharmaceutical companies are researching and developing new health technologies that help manage and mitigate effects on health from climate change, while minimizing the impact of their operations and products on the planet.

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    Overview

    The innovative pharmaceutical industry exists to improve global human health and well-being now and in future. Climate change, air pollution, and other environmental challenges have a proven impact on global public health.

    IFPMA and our members are playing an active part in tackling the public health issues caused by climate change while reducing our own environmental impact.

    The challenge of climate change

    Climate change is affecting global public health profoundly, particularly that of the poorest and most vulnerable people worldwide.

    A warming planet, extreme weather events, and drought increase the threat from certain water and vector borne diseases, such as diarrheal diseases, malaria, and dengue. They create the conditions for the emergence or spread of new and existing pathogens particularly from animal populations, increase malnutrition and starvation, and create barriers to health care access and delivery.

    Higher temperatures also raise the levels of ozone and other pollutants in the air. This is leading to a rise in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Extreme heat waves are having an increasing impact, especially on children and the elderly.

    Higher temperatures are raising the levels of pollutants in the air leading to a rise in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

    The innovative pharmaceutical industry is tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases and conditions most affected directly or indirectly by climate change.

    Companies develop new medicines, vaccines, and other therapies that can address health effects linked to climate change. In communities, they also help create and develop access programs, strengthen health care infrastructures, train local people, and increase awareness of how to prevent and control diseases and conditions.

    Reducing our industry’s environmental impact

    Innovative pharmaceutical companies are researching and developing greener products and putting in place environmentally friendly production and distribution practices to deliver medical innovation to people more sustainably.

    They are reducing carbon emissions across operations and value chains, investing in renewable electricity, and improving energy efficiency, reducing water use, and recycling.

    Today, innovative pharmaceutical companies are working to be part of the solution to manage the impact of climate change on global public health now and in future.

    40

    IFPMA member companies

    80%

    of our largest companies have set net-zero or carbon-neutrality targets

    97%

    of IFPMA member companies have sustainability commitments

    Addressing climate change

    Explore examples of how companies are already working to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, cut water use, and ensure sustainability by design.

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