Critical climate call: Over 100,000 doctors demand urgent action

Medical: In a historic joint statement, medical colleges representing more than 100,000 doctors, physicians, and medical experts have sounded the alarm on the urgent need for climate action in Australia’s healthcare system. As the world grapples with the growing risks of climate change, the healthcare sector finds itself unprepared to handle the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, leaving communities vulnerable to potential disasters.

With climate change already causing an increase in extreme weather events, Australia faces a higher risk than many other regions. The World Meteorological Organisation’s declaration of a possible El Niño further exacerbates the situation, bringing hotter temperatures, increased fire danger, and the looming threat of droughts.

Dr Jacqueline Small, President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), emphasised that while reducing emissions is essential, the current strategy must also address saving lives during inevitable climate events, which could strike next week, next month, or next year.

Associate Professor Kerin Fielding, President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), pointed out that “due to being one of the most resource-intensive areas of the hospital, strategies which target the operating theatre can have some of the biggest impacts on healthcare greenhouse emissions reductions within the health-care industry.” RACS is committed to collaborating with the government and the new Sustainable Healthcare Unit to implement initiatives that minimise the environmental impact while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.

Dr Kate Wylie, Chair of the RACGP Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interest group, stressed that GPs across Australia witness the health impacts of climate change daily. She deemed it a health emergency and urged elected leaders to take immediate action, stressing that the National Climate and Health Strategy must be fully funded and effectively implemented with appropriate government support for GP practices.

The mental health implications of extreme weather events were highlighted by Dr Elizabeth Moore, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), who called for integrating mental health care into long-term disaster planning.

Dr Sanjay Jeganathan, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), urged the healthcare industry to play a proactive role in mitigating climate change’s effects and reducing the carbon footprint by providing high-value, sustainable healthcare.

Dr Helen Parsons CSC FRACMA, President of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA), commented “No action is inaction in the face of the current climate crisis. It is critical we advocate to government and the community for a health system, practices and research that deliver healthcare and services to the community which have minimal impact on the climate. As leaders we must ensure all system decisions are made with consideration of the effects on the climate, and therefore the health and future of the people we care for. This includes system and building design, carbon offsetting and work practices that may reduce our impact on our environment, including the reduction of medical waste, and choosing value-based sustainable practices.”

Dr Dan Halliday, President of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural and remote communities due to climate impacts and pledged ACRRM’s commitment to the National Health and Climate Strategy.

As an emergency physician and ACEM member, Dr Lai-Heng Foong underlined that climate change represents the most significant global threat to emergency departments, health systems, and public health. He urged immediate action to prevent preventable disasters.

Dr Scott Ma, former Chair of the ANZCA Environmental Sustainability Network, underscored the healthcare sector’s responsibility to both mitigate and adapt to climate change’s effects on communities’ health and well-being.

Dr Kristine Barnden, Chair of the RANZCOG Environmental Sustainability Working Group, urged that decisions made today will determine health outcomes for generations to come, emphasising “Children have the right to be born into a safe environment with a stable climate.”

The collective statement, endorsed by 12 medical colleges, including RACP, RACS, RACGP, RANZCP, RANZCR, RACMA, ACEM, ANZCA, ACRRM, RANZCOG, ACD, and CICM, calls on the Australian government to urgently allocate sufficient funds and resources for the National Health and Climate Strategy. They demand national cabinet sign-off for coordinated and effective implementation, guided by First Nations knowledge and leadership to address wider health determinants and build healthy and climate-resilient communities.

As submissions on the government’s Consultation Paper close, the medical community seeks immediate action to ensure the strategy’s finalisation by the end of 2023. The Healthy Climate Future campaign unites these medical professionals in advocating for climate action that safeguards health and strengthens health systems in the face of climate change.

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