Australia’s peak body on climate and health is warning the Australian Government it’s time to get serious on climate action, in response to the release of the first National Climate Risk Assessment.

The report outlines that Australia’s health and social support system is already experiencing ‘moderate-to-high’ risks due to climate change, with these risks escalating to ‘severe’ within 25 years.

Under the scenario of 3C of warming above pre-industrial times modelled in the report, “The health risks are untenable” said CAHA’s Vice President and practising general practitioner, Dr Catherine Pendrey.

“We’re facing increases in heat-related mortality of 450% in Sydney as well as more megafires, widespread transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis, worsening mental health and disruption to medicine supply chains,” she said.

“Our health system is already stretched and not prepared for the extreme challenges posed by climate change.

“The best strategy is prevention - and first and foremost that means ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We need the Australian Government to set our 2035 climate target as close to net zero as possible and to stop approving new coal, oil and gas developments.

“Investing in the capacity of our health sector to respond to climate impacts is key - but it won’t be enough if we don’t stop pouring fuel on the fire,” she said.

“Exporting fossil fuels to be burned overseas might not be counted in Australia’s domestic emissions tally, but they still jeopardise our health,” she said.

“We need urgent, whole-of-government action to safeguard a healthy future.”

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