Climate change is a health issue no political party can ignore

In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, yet another destructive natural disaster, GPs are urging all political parties to commit to addressing the growing impact of climate change on health ahead of this year’s Federal election. 

Australia’s peak specialist GP body, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, is urging leaders to fully fund the implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy.  

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “Cyclone Alfred has severely impacted Queensland and New South Wales communities, and my heart is with everyone affected, including all our GPs caring for patients after the storm. 

“The RACGP recognises climate change as a global public health emergency. GPs have been seeing the impacts on their patients’ health and wellbeing for some time. The social, emotional and physical impacts of Cyclone Alfred for those in its path are the latest example. 

“Year after year Australian communities have been subjected to the damaging and traumatic effects of fires, floods, droughts and storms, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.  

“Keeping GP’s doors open and making sure they are equipped to support communities during these emergencies is vital to protect the health of Australians today and in the future.  

“In the wake of natural disasters, GPs often see people with physical injuries, as well as trauma and ongoing mental health conditions. So, it is essential that general practice care is accessible and affordable for everyone especially when disaster strikes.  

RACGP Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interests Chair Dr Catherine Pendrey said: “The World Health Organization has called climate change the greatest threat to public health in the 21st Century.  

"This is why we are calling on all political parties to commit to fully fund the implementation of the National Health and Climate Strategy. 

“In recent years in Australia, we’ve seen unprecedented droughts, fires, floods and storms which have taken their toll on lives and livelihoods.  

“GPs are the first point of contact for most people seeking care. They have an important role to play in identifying, reducing and managing the negative health effects of climate change in our communities, and they must be supported and resourced to achieve this. 

“Extreme weather events like Cyclone Alfred cause more injuries, diseases and deaths. The fossil fuels that drive climate change create air pollution that worsens respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. 

“We cannot ignore these impacts on our communities in Australia. We can and must stop emitting fossil fuel pollution to safeguard the health of our future generations in the face of the worsening climate crisis.”