Singapore launches advanced degrees in sustainable healthcare to address climate challenges

The launch of the Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare and the Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare was revealed during the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare program is set to begin in August 2025. Photo courtesy of NUS

The programs are designed to address the pressing need for healthcare systems to adapt to the impacts of climate change, which poses significant threats to global health. Rising temperatures have increased the severity of extreme weather events, exacerbating diseases like dengue fever and raising mortality rates in Southeast Asia. A recent study by CoSM revealed that 82% of clinicians in Singapore support action to combat climate change in healthcare, while 90% believe the nation should lead in creating net-zero healthcare systems.

CoSM Director Professor Nick Watts said the programs aim to transform healthcare delivery to balance patient care with sustainability. "With the healthcare sector responsible for over 10% of the international economy, changes made locally can have far-reaching global impacts. Our education programs will equip a new generation of leaders ready to pioneer the shift to low-carbon healthcare," he said.

World's first Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare

The Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare is tailored for early-career professionals and graduates with a background in healthcare or sustainability.

This one-year, full-time program will cover practical skills like life cycle assessments and strategies for low-carbon transitions. Students can choose electives on climate science, health system management, and research methods, culminating in capstone projects to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

This program is tailored for early-career professionals and graduates with a background in healthcare or sustainability. Photo courtesy of NUS

Executive fellowship for emerging leaders in sustainable healthcare

The Executive Fellowship in Sustainable Healthcare is a part-time program designed for experienced professionals, clinical leaders, and policymakers. It offers flexibility with hybrid learning options, advanced training in carbon footprint analysis, and leadership mentoring. Participants will also build networks with global healthcare sustainability champions. This program will also launch in August 2025.

Students in both programs will benefit from collaborations with global organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and The Lancet. A unique knowledge exchange initiative will allow participants to share best practices with clinical fellows from Singapore, the UK's National Health Service, and the US.

Dr. Jessamy Bagenal, Senior Executive Editor at The Lancet, highlighted the urgency of integrating climate action into healthcare. "We are at a pivotal moment, facing intertwined health and climate crises. Equipping professionals with the right tools will enable us to build a resilient healthcare system," she said.

Applications for the programs are now open. For more information, visit the Center for Sustainable Medicine's official website.