The Australian Medical Association and Doctors for the Environment Australia are calling on federal, state and territory governments and the wider healthcare sector to take urgent action against climate change.
The AMA and Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) have signed a joint statement, which was also supported by five medical colleges, calling for a net zero target for the healthcare system by 2040, with an interim reduction target of 80 per cent by 2030, and extra government resources to help tackle climate change.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said adverse health impacts resulting from climate change were increasing in severity and frequency.
“Health issues associated with climate change are only becoming more severe due to the rapid rate of global heating caused by greenhouse gases,” Professor Robson said.
“The medical sector is increasingly leading in climate change action, which is why the AMA, DEA and medical colleges have signed this joint statement, highlighting the importance of decisive and urgent action to protect the health of Australia and the world.”
The statement was signed during the AMA and DEA’s annual webinar Australia’s doctors – driving action on climate change held on Tuesday evening.
It was also signed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
