Sustainability
Climate change, environmental degradation and poor air quality are major threats to respiratory health and health equity. The ITS is building sustainability into everything we do.
Why it matters for respiratory health
The health of our environment and the health of our patients are closely linked.
Climate change
A changing climate threatens respiratory health, from heat and wildfire smoke to changing patterns of pollen and infection.
Air quality
Poor air quality, indoors and out, harms people living with lung disease and contributes to new disease.
Health equity
Environmental harms fall hardest on those already most at risk, widening inequalities in respiratory health.
Sustainability in everything we do
As the national professional body for respiratory healthcare professionals in Ireland, the ITS is embedding sustainability principles across the Society.
Resources
ITS position paperClean Air – Healthier Ireland
Our position paper on air quality and respiratory health in Ireland.
Read more →
EPA reportAnnual Air Quality Bulletin 2024
A summary of the EPA’s Air Quality Bulletin for 2024.
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HSE strategyHSE Climate Action Strategy
An overview of the HSE’s Climate Action Programme.
Read more →
Dr Sandra Green
Sandra leads the Society’s work on sustainability and planetary health. Ideas, resources or questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Our policy work
See how we champion better respiratory health with policymakers and partners.
AdvocacyRespiratory Health of the Nation
Our 2026 report on the burden of respiratory disease in Ireland.
Read the report