Intensive Care needed for a sick planet

Download: climate_and_health_information.pdf

To mark World Environment Day, this Friday Tasmanian members of Doctors for the Environment
Australia will renew calls on the community and government for stronger, more urgent action to
address climate change amid concerns that the serious health consequences are being neglected.
Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) is a national organisation, which aims to utilise the
skills of members of the medical profession to address ill health resulting from damage to the natural
environment.
The World Health Organisation has recognised that “climate change affects the fundamental
requirements for health – clean air, safe drinking water and sufficient food” – as well as having an
impact on patterns of disease such as malaria and dengue fever. Potential health effects of climate
change in Australia include those related to higher temperature and heat waves, migration of
infectious disease, and the mental health impacts of drought.
The Australian Medical Association states that climate change will have potentially serious or
irreversible harm to Australian health, and that vulnerable members of the community – the elderly,
the young, those whose health is already compromised – will be most affected by climate related
illnesses.
Medical student James Correy said:
“International health experts have recognised climate change as the biggest global health
threat of the 21st century. If we want a healthy future for Tasmanians, Australians and other citizens
of the globe, it is vital that we secure a safe climate”.
Dr Nick Towle, from Burnie, commented;
“We’re faced with an emergency situation, which requires us all to engage in urgent and
effective action if we are to avert the most serious health consequences.
“There is some cause for optimism as taking urgent action to reduce our greenhouse gas
emissions will also lead to significant health benefits for Tasmanians.”.
DEA members will be join with several other groups, including Climate Action Hobart, for
Saturday’s World Environment Day celebration, reminding our elected representatives that climate
change is a serious health issue and requires urgent attention.
What: DEA highlights Climate and Health link for World Environment Day;
Why: Raising awareness that “climate change is the biggest global health threat of the
21st century” and calling for urgent action on climate change.
When: Friday, 4th June, 2010, 12 pm.
Where: Parliament lawns.
climate and health information.pdf

James Correy. Doctors for the Environment Australia. www.dea.org.au