Climate health collaboration to increase health system resilience

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has joined with key health stakeholders to deliver a framework for action on climate and health. 

The collaboration of 19 organisations released a joint statement today announcing that they will work together to deliver a framework for action, including supporting a workforce-led health system response to climate. 

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said: “Safeguarding human health from the risks of climate change is a priority for the RACGP. 

“There is an urgent need to increase community and health system resilience in Australia. The RACGP has joined this collaboration to develop a framework for meaningful action, including mobilising and supporting our health workforce, and developing low-emission, climate-resilient, and culturally safe models of care. 

“A resilient health system is essential for the health and wellbeing of our nation.” 

Climate and Environmental Medicine Chair Dr Catherine Pendrey said: “Climate change is a global public health emergency. GPs worldwide are seeing the impacts on their patients’ health, wellbeing and livelihoods. 

“One of the key principles of sustainable healthcare is investing more in preventive care to improve health and reduce demand for healthcare and associated emissions – 5% of Australia’s greenhouse emissions are estimated to be caused directly or indirectly by our health system. 

“This collaboration is an important step towards the meaningful action that we need to increase health system resilience in Australia for generations to come. If our government wants to protect Australians, phasing out fossil fuels, and stopping the approval of any new coal mines, is also essential to protect health and fight climate change.”