Doctor’s orders: No Coal

What: Tasmanian DEA members join the campaign against coal for the National Day of Action
Why: Calling for an urgent transition from coal as an important preventative
health measure for Australia and the world.
When: Friday July 16, 12.30pm
Where: Outside Hydro Tasmania office, corner of Elizabeth and Murray St

MEDIA RELEASE: July 15 2010
Doctor’s orders: No Coal
Tasmanian members of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) will this Friday join with community organisations across the nation to call for an urgent transition away from the use of coal as a source of power generation.

The health burden of coal in Australia is estimated conservatively at $2.6 billion per year, with the main health impact brought about through climate change, which the World Health Organisation ranks as one of the greatest threats to public health.

While there is an urgent need for further investigation in Australia, research from the US has shown that coal pollutants affect all body organ systems and contribute to leading causes of death including cancer, stroke, respiratory and heart disease.

DEA recognises that mines cannot be abruptly closed, and calls for planning for the rapid introduction of renewable energy industries into coal mining regions, whilst opposing any new mines being opened.

Student member of DEA Rohan Church said:

“Mining, processing, transporting and burning coal is a major contributor to climate change, the biggest global health threat of this century.”

Dr Zoe Ling, from Launceston, added: “Feasible alternatives to coal power do exist. Continuing to depend on coal is environmental injustice, with health problems set to multiply both in Australia and across the world if we fail to take serious action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

This Friday, DEA members will be joining community groups in visiting Hydro Tasmania’s Hobart office, to point out that a significant proportion of our energy in Tasmania still comes from burning coal on mainland Australia.
Rohan Church DEA