A Survey of Pediatric Radiologists’ Perceptions of the Climate Crisis, Its Potential for Patient Harm, and the Role of Health Systems in Mitigation

Background There is no data available on the perspectives of pediatric radiologists regarding climate change and the promotion of sustainable practices in radiology. Objective To assess pediatric radiologists’ attitudes toward climate change, its perceived impact on patients, their knowledge of health care’s environmental effects, and beliefs about the role of health systems in mitigation. Materials and methods A ten-question survey was distributed to Society for Pediatric Radiology members in May 2025. Descriptive statistical analyses and chi square tests were performed on responses. Results Of the 2,920 individuals who received the survey, 158 (5.4%) completed it. 115 (72.8%) respondents reported global warming was very or extremely important. A greater proportion of trainees and early career radiologists found the issue “very important” (p = 0.041). More than half of respondents (54.4%) reported being very worried about global warming. 108 (69%) believed global warming will harm patients a “great” or “moderate” deal. Most respondents reported limited or moderate knowledge of the impact of health care delivery. While 55.7% agreed radiologists play an important role in reducing carbon footprint, higher proportions felt responsibility lay with radiology departments (68.4%) and health care systems overall (74.7%). Conclusion Pediatric radiologists and trainees recognize the importance of climate change and its impact on patients, but their knowledge of sustainable practices and radiology implementation strategies remains limited. Trainee, early career and international radiologists reported higher levels of concerns. Targeted education of pediatric radiologists and collaboration among various leadership levels in health care systems will be necessary to mitigate the carbon footprint of delivering radiology patient care.