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In this thought-provoking episode of the ISN Global Kidney Care Podcast, Winston Fung, Isabelle Ethier, and Caroline Stigant explore how kidney care contributes to climate change and what can be done to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining high-quality outcomes.  

Find out how: 

• Plastic waste adds up: Peritoneal dialysis alone generates over 30,000 tons of PVC and nearly 800 tons of non-PVC plastic globally each year 

• Small practice changes reduce waste: Switching to IV push administration of iron sucrose saved 36 kg of medical plastic waste in just one month at a single center 

• Impact of dialysis water use on the environment: Both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis use substantial amounts of water, but new strategies like adjusting dialysate flow rates and temperature can improve water efficiency in hemodialysis 

• Pharmaceuticals contribute to carbon emissions: Medicines make up 20% of healthcare carbon emissions due to energy-intensive manufacturing, transport, storage, packaging, and disposal 

Listen to the podcast “Kidney health on climate change: causes” 

Interested in more content like this and want to find out how you can help shape the future of global kidney care? 

This episode is part of the ISN ELP GREEN-K initiative – Global Environmental Evolution in Nephrology and Kidney Care Curriculum, which includes a series of webinars and podcasts. The curriculum is led by Dr. Fung, a 2022 cohort member of the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).  

Explore the full ISN ELP GREEN-K Curriculum 

Discover GREEN-K tools and resources 

“Through the ELP, I have explored an area in nephrology that was unknown to me — green nephrology,” shares Dr. Fung. “I learned about leadership skills and got exposure to different opportunities to work collaboratively with colleagues and leaders at the global level.” 

Dr. Fung has remained involved in the ISN through several roles, including serving as a member of the North and East Asia Regional Board, the Young Nephrologists Committee, and the Education Working Group. 

You could follow a similar path — applications are now open for the fourth cohort of the ISN Emerging Leaders Program. Apply by September 15, 2025, and help shape the future of global kidney health!