The Australian Medical Students’ Association is calling on the Federal Government to achieve the greatest feasible Renewable Energy Contribution by 2020 to protect the health of Australians.
Yesterday, the Renewable Energy Target review was released, finding the current scheme was effective and could achieve a 26% share of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, yet recommending ending support for new renewable energy power stations.
AMSA President, Ms Jessica Dean, said today the renewable energy target was crucial to promoting a healthier and cleaner Australia.
“The use of non-renewable energy, such as coal, has direct impacts on the health and wellbeing of communities and is detrimental to at least three of our National Health Priority Areas; cancer control, cardiovascular health and asthma.”
“Coal-fired power generation results in air pollution that contributes to the development and exacerbation of lung diseases, ischaemic heart disease and stroke which are leading causes of death in Australia.”
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering estimates that the annual health cost linked to coal fired power generation is $2.6 billion.
Ms Dean said “AMSA is also disappointed that the review failed to adequately address the health benefits of the RET, despite a submission made by AMSA.”
Furthermore, combustion of fossil fuels also contributes to climate change, which will amplify a broad range of health issues currently faced in Australia.
“Climate change is recognised by health professionals as one of the greatest threats to health. To protect Australians from the most severe health risks, our government must take strong action to mitigate climate change” said Ms Dean.
“Whilst the Australian government continues to scale back action on climate change, the World Health Organization is currently holding a conference specifically addressing the health impacts of climate change in Geneva.”
“It is the vulnerable populations in our society such as the young, the old and the already ill who will suffer the health consequences of a diminished RET.”
“To safeguard the health of current and future generations of Australians, we must continue to increase our use of renewable energy.”
Australian Medical Students’ Association, President, Ms Jessica Dean. Alice McGushin National Project Manager – Code Green AMSA Global Health
