Discussion paper looks at climate and health with six "key" actions

Climate change poses both risks and opportunities for population health in Australia, according to the Melbourne-based Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA).

The alliance made this observation in “Executive summary” in a discussion paper it is taking to Canberra.

The paper – “Towards a national strategy on climate, health and wellbeing for Australia” has been prepared by Marissa Parry, Danielle Schutte, Rebecca Patrick, and Fiona Armstrong.

It argues that what it proposes will depend on the level of ambition and strategies chosen by the Federal Government and Australia’s climate policy will either negatively or positively drive health outcomes.

In proposing six key action areas it says: “To date, human health has been afforded a lack of priority in Australia’s national mitigation and adaptation policy and strategy actions.

“As such, Australia’s health sector is underprepared to deal with the health risks associated with climate change, and equally, to capitalise on the benefits of mitigation actions.

“A recent global survey reveals Australia lags behind comparable countries when it comes to protecting the health of its citizens from climate change,” the paper says.

CAHA chief executive, Fiona Armstrong, said about the discussion paper: “This is part of a national campaign to mobilise health professionals and groups in support of climate action.”

“We have a meeting with Parliamentarians and Health Leaders Roundtable in Canberra next Monday, October 10 to present this and talk about next steps,” she said.

Read the report – “Towards a national strategy on climate, health and wellbeing for Australia.”