Carbon negative by 2030: Where are we now?

April 29, 2021 Beth Schenk

[3 MIN READ]

One year ago, when the world was shutting down due to COVID-19, Dr. Rod Hochman announced the Providence commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030. While the past year was unlike any in our history, we have proven our resilience, prioritized our patients and caregivers, and learned to live with a new normal.

Amidst the challenges of the continuing pandemic, we haven’t lost sight of the escalating global climate crisis and its harm to human health and wellbeing. Caring for the Earth, our common home, is woven into the very fibers of our Mission and Values, and we have persevered to keep this important work moving forward. Since Earth Day last year, we have:

  • Introduced our WE ACT framework, which outlines five focus areas that address the majority of our carbon footprint. We also celebrated initial progress within this framework at the system, regional and local levels. 
  • Established teams within our organization to raise awareness of our carbon negativity goal, find ways to integrate it into our practices and hold us accountable as we move forward.
  • Developed essential tools to engage our passionate caregivers so they could participate in our new initiative.

We are far from done – join us as we extend ‘Earth Day’ 2021!

For Providence employees and caregivers

Although we’ve achieved more than we thought possible, we need your help to keep up the momentum and inspire others to take action. We can extend “Earth Day” throughout the year by taking action through these volunteer resources.

For patients and readers

Learn more about Providence's commitment to being good stewards of the environment.

Find ways to celebrate Earth Day early and often.

Learn about our progress:

Check out our educational sessions:

Share your thoughts about #environmentalstewardship and how it affects your healthcare options with readers @providence.

About the Author

Beth Schenk is the executive director of environmental stewardship for Providence, leading a cross-functional commitment to reduce operational pollution while addressing environmental justice and climate resilience in the communities we serve. Beth has been a Providence caregiver for over 30 years. From serving as an ICU nurse at St. Patrick in Missoula to leading nursing research across the Providence organization, Beth has nurtured her passion for environmental care. Her first successful recycling project was over 25 years ago. Since then she has led Montana’s award-winning Green 4 Good program. She co-founded Providence’s first regional environmental stewardship council. She has co-led a system-wide monthly meeting on environmental stewardship since 2008.

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