32 health organisations have jointly released a statement calling on the Federal Health Minister to address climate change in the National Preventive Health Strategy, which is currently under development.  

The coalition of doctors, nurses, allied health and consumers called on the minister to make climate change “a central feature of any broad national health strategy.” 

“Climate change affects health in many ways, both directly and indirectly,” the statement said.  

“Without drastic and urgent action, the health impacts of climate change will escalate and lead to an existential crisis for human civilisation.” 

Fiona Armstrong, the executive director of the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) who spearheaded the joint statement, said that “If the government chooses to ignore the health impacts of climate change, they are refusing to prevent the suffering of thousands of Australians.” 

She lists the impacts as including increased incidences of infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, heat stress, mental illness, violence, food insecurity, poor water quality and poorer nutrition.” 

Dr Gemma Crawford from the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) echoed the sentiments, calling climate change “the biggest threat to the health of our families, communities and planet.” 

“We welcome a national blueprint for prevention. But our collective efforts will be undermined if we fail to recognise the impacts of climate change.” 

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association will be participating in the School Strike 4 Climate on 25 September to call for strong action on climate change.