Welcome to the August Climate and Health News. This edition is packed full of news, events and information, keeping you up to date with what’s happening in the world of climate and health.
ADVOCACY
State and Federal Elections
There are two important elections coming up and each one provides an opportunity to increase the pressure on politicians, if re-elected, to commit to developing a policy strategy on climate change and health.
As part of the campaign for a national strategy on climate and health, we are planning more activist training events later in the year and early next year. We are excited to introduce Paul Benson, the new CAHA Organiser who will be developing a plan for training and outreach. Paul can be contacted via email paul.benson@caha.org,au if you would like to speak with him about getting involved. There are also loads of other opportunities to get involved, for more information visit the the campaign website.
What can you do:
NEWS
Researchers declare war on hospital waste
A landmark study is close to a breakthrough that would turn hospital waste into a product that could be used in agriculture or water treatment. Read more
Over 42 Megawatts of alternative energy powers Victorian hospitals
Renewable energy is generated using renewable resources that ongoing natural processes can rapidly replace. These include the sun, wind, water flows, organic matter and geothermal heat. Victorian public hospitals also use cogeneration, trigeneration, biomass and solar thermal to reduce carbon emissions and manage utility costs. Read more
WA Climate and Sustainability forum
These measures are to:
- Reduce the climate and environmental impact of health services’ operations, and
- Minimise the adverse health effects of climate change on Western Australians
Calls grow for Australian Government to protect citizens against climate change
Despite the distraction and political chaos of Brexit negotiations, the United Kingdom has just published a far-reaching and thoroughly impressive plan to manage risks from climate change - Australian politicians need to take a leaf... Read more
Global Green and Healthy Hospitals – cutting emissions in Iceland
Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) member, Landspitali, implemented a successful incentive program to promote eco-friendly commuting for staff to reduce associated carbon emissions. Read about their accomplishments: bit.ly/2ISyOyw
If your health service or hospital is not a member of GGHH and you would like information about benefits of membership, email us at gghh@caha.org.au
POLICY
Blueprint for the next generation of environmental laws
The Australian Panel of Experts on Environmental Law has released a new policy report that outlines a blueprint for the future of environmental law in Australia. The report states that future environmental laws will need to recognise our role as trustees of the environment, you can read more here.
CAMPAIGNS
Our Climate Our Health campaign film
CAHA has been selected to develop a short (2 minute) film to be screened at the Environmental Film Festival in October 2018. The film will outline the 'why' of the Our Climate Our health campaign and is set to feature health professionals speaking about why we need a national strategy on climate, health and well-being.
If you would like to be involved send in a video or contact us about filming you as you speak about why you are supporting the campaign for a national strategy on climate, health and well-being.
The footage we collect may be used for the film screening at the upcoming festival, or on other campaign platforms such as the website or social media.
Email: office@caha.org.au for more information.
EVENTS
2018 Climate and Health Symposium
21 September 2018, Melbourne
We are excited to invite supporters to this important Symposium which includes a series of ‘lightning talks’ on the latest policy, advocacy, research and communications on climate change and health.
Register here
The forum will be followed by the CAHA AGM in Melbourne.
Victorian Air Pollution Summit
The Victorian government is hosting an air pollution summit
27 August 2018
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Register here.
Global Ideas Forum 2018: Digital Disruption in Global Health
14-16 September 2018
Arts West
University of Melbourne
Achieving health equity in the age of digital disruption.
From technology to grassroots movements, momentum is coming from a new generation of global changemakers. #GIF18 is your place to learn, connect, collaborate and reimagine our future, with 200 passionate changemakers.
Non-violent direct action (NVDA) by health Health on the Frontline returns!
Saturday September 15th there will be a non-violent direct action (NVDA) health by health professionals in Newcastle, home to Australia's biggest coal export port.
There will be a range of activities to get involved in on the day and training will be held on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th by the Front Line Action on Coal (FLAC) team.
For more information visit the Health on the Frontlines Facebook page .
Australian Public Health Conference
26-28 September 2018, Cairns
The 2018 Australian Public Health Conference will present a national and multi-disciplinary perspective on public health issues. PHAA members and non-members can contribute to discussions on the broad range of public health issues and exchange ideas, knowledge and information on the latest developments in public health.
Find out more about registering here
42 World Hospital Congress - Brisbane
10-12 October 2018, Brisbane
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association and Queensland Health welcomes hospital and health service leaders from around the world to Brisbane for the 42nd World Hospital Congress. The World Hospital Congress, under the umbrella of the International Hospital Federation, is a unique global event that brings key health leaders together annually to share views and experiences, network and develop excellence in healthcare and hospitals leadership.
43rd EHA National Conference
30 October - 2 November 2018
Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle WA
The Environmental Health Australia conference aims to enhance knowledge in the diverse range of issues that are dealt with by Environmental Health Practitioners and allow delegates networking opportunities during the break and social functions.
EDUCATION
Nursing for the environment: INTENSIVE
Are you interested in health and environmental sustainability and want to delve deeper? Are you a health professional who wants to know more about how you can make your workplace practices more sustainable?
Then the ANMF (Vic Branch) Nursing for the Environment-INTENSIVE might be for you. This seminar is a crash course in sustainable healthcare that gives you the knowledge and confidence to respond to the issues and to your colleagues, both positively and effectively.
The next seminar is scheduled for 18/10/2018 9:30 am to 4:30pm
2019 Community Organising Fellowship for social and environmental justice campaigners
Are you looking to effectively build community power? Are you passionately working for environmental and social justice and looking to broaden your knowledge and experience in campaign strategy and community organising?
If the answer is yes, applications are open for the Change Agency’s Community Organising Fellowship.
Applications close September 30. Click here to download the application form. Successful applicants and wait-listed applicants will be notified by early November.
RESEARCH
A new interdisciplinary research group has formed at UNSW. The Climate Health Partnership aims to establish a world-leading, research-based partnership that will investigate and address the health problems associated with a changing climate. It brings together unparalleled expertise in climate impacts, disease modelling, public health monitoring and surveillance, and design and evaluation of adaptation strategies aimed at minimising vulnerability to adverse health outcomes.
For more information, contact CHP.
PODCASTS
After the smoke clears – the battle for energy in Victoria
Looking for a good radio program to listen to?
Beyond Zero Radio with 3CR are producing a special five-part radio series - After the Smoke Clears.
RESOURCES
NurSusTOOLKIT Project
The aim of the NurSus project is to enhance the availability/relevance of a sound learning offer in Sustainability Literacy and Competency (SLC) in nurse education by developing innovative teaching and learning approaches and materials. Nurses work across borders; the availability of the NurSusTOOLKIT in a number of languages will promote coherency and support a framework for sustainability competencies across Europe. http://nursus.eu/home/
Not sure how to talk about electricity?
A new guide from the Climate Council aims to help us all with often difficult conversations on climate change and energy.
Download the guide here