How Virtual Doctor Visits Are Saving the Planet
By StudyFinds Staff
Reviewed by Sophia Naughton
Research led by Benjo Delarmente and John N. Mafi, University of California Los Angeles
Apr 22, 2025
Doctor talking to patient virtually
Virtual doctor visits may be beneficial for fighting climate change. (Ground Picture/Shutterstock)
Carbon Emissions Saved Akin to Output of 130,000 Cars Every Month
In a nutshell
Telemedicine saved millions of pounds of CO₂ each month in 2023—enough to match the emissions of up to 130,000 gas-powered cars, according to a UCLA-led study.
The biggest environmental impact came from avoided travel, especially for rural patients who typically drive farther for care.
While modest on a national scale, these emissions savings offer a new reason for policymakers to support expanded access to virtual healthcare.
https://studyfinds.org/virtual-doctor-visits-cut-carbon-emissions/