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.
More Content by Beth Schenk

Welcome to your journey for creating a healthier you

Carbon negative by 2030: Where are we now?

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

For Providence employees and caregivers

About the Author

Previous Article

Next Article

Carbon negative by 2030: Where are we now?

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

For Providence employees and caregivers

About the Author

Previous Article

Next Article

Other content in this Stream

A Providence gastroenterologist shares what you need to know about lower abdominal pain, including common causes and signs you should seek medical care.

Researchers at Providence Cancer Institute are exploring a range of innovative approaches to targeting human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Providence Senior Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer Laurie Kelley lost her husband to cancer. She wants to save others from the same outcome.

As Providence celebrates Black Maternal Health Week, we recognize the importance of providing holistic care for Black birthing parents and babies.

The latest spinout from Providence’s Digital Innovation Group, Praia Health is powering personalization in the Providence app and beyond.

An addiction medicine doctor breaks down the harmful mental and physical impacts of alcohol, while also providing some tips for healthier habits.

Being climate resilient means preparing, responding to and recovering from the health impacts of climate change. Learn how Providence is building climate resilience in the communities we serve.

Join Providence and Homemade for a free, online cooking classes. In less than an hour, you’ll be enjoying a nutrition-packed quinoa bowl.

Learn the early signs of autism in children ages 1-3. Get insights on symptoms, diagnosis and support from Providence’s Autism Center.

When a new mom developed preeclampsia and had to deliver her baby early, the NICU team was there to care for their new son — and for them.

Minority groups can face challenges when seeking mental health care.

A Providence internal medicine physician shares what we’re doing to end health inequities that affect sepsis patient outcomes.

With Wendy Williams’ and Bruce Willis’ recent frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnoses, more people have wondered about the condition. Here’s some info.

In recognition of National Social Work Month, Darlene Corral, LCSW, shares a little insight into the importance of oncology social workers.

Many people have the wrong idea about what happens during colorectal cancer screening. Here, we debunk the myths.

For Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we talk about how important it is to support our employees with developmental disabilities.

In a new clinical trial open at Providence Cancer Institute, the therapy IGM-8444 aims to promote apoptosis, potentially slowing down the growth of DR5-positive tumor cells.

Please see this important update about refilling your prescriptions from a Providence hospital, clinic or physician.

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important as we get older. Providence Swedish Dietitian Meghann Karch has tips on how to eat healthy as you age.

In honor of National Nutrition Month® Alyssa George, MA, RDN, program manager at Oncology Nutrition, Providence Cancer Institute, talks about the important connection between cancer and nutrition.