Australia’s peak body on climate and health, the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) is calling for a whole of government approach to reducing illness, injury and premature deaths linked to climate change in the wake of the Consultation Period for the National Health and Climate Strategy.

“This consultation is a once in a generation opportunity to meaningfully prepare to meet the health needs of all people in Australia in the face of the climate crisis,” said Fiona Armstrong, CAHA Founder and Strategic Projects Director.

“To ensure the Strategy meets the needs of the community, it is crucial the remit of the NHSCU is broadened to take a ‘Health in All Policies’, whole of government approach, where climate and health leadership is supported throughout all Commonwealth policy planning.

“This approach should be coupled with tangible mechanisms for implementation, including science-based targets and funding.

“The health sector is highly aware of the links between climate change and health, and motivated to contribute to the development of the National Health and Climate Strategy.

“Action on climate and health is hugely beneficial for social, environmental and cultural outcomes. However these benefits can only be achieved with urgent and decisive action and the funding to execute it, as highlighted in our submission.”

For more than 10 years, CAHA and its members and allies have been advocating for a national approach to climate and health, and welcome the opportunity to have input on this important and significant government policy.

“We look forward to working closely with the Department of Health and the Health Minister to develop a National Strategy which the whole health sector can support.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Sally Spalding, [email protected] or 0401184986

To read CAHA’s full submission, click here.