A prominent Australian clinician and researcher has called on the federal government Australia and the health sector to commit to showing the same leadership on climate change that was demonstrated during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Award-winning professor Nicolas Talley AC, a world-renowned neurogastroenterologist and editor-in-chief of the Medical Journal of Australia, said in an editorial, published on December 23, that Australia’s response to COVID-19 had been “strong and effective.”
“The pandemic forced politicians across the Australian political division to prioritize the evidence and experience of the medical, scientific and public health communities over the voices of conservative commentators, business leaders and politicians,” wrote Professor Talley.
“Tough political decisions were made for the good of the nation’s health.
“This science-based bipartisan approach is a blueprint for future climate change management, if implemented in conjunction with an appropriate national plan.”
Professor Talley cited research that showed that 2019 was the hottest and driest year on record for Australia, with average temperatures 1.52 ° C above normal and average rainfall 40% below the 30-year average prior to 1991 Australia’s wildfires in 2019-20 burned 10 million hectares, directly killed 33 people and destroyed more than 3,000 homes. Smoke engulfed major capitals, including Sydney and Melbourne, and exposure to the smoke caused an excess of 417 deaths and more than 3,000 hospital admissions.
“Australia’s leading medical and nursing bodies have recognized climate change as a health emergency,” wrote Professor Talley. “The governments of the states and territories have committed to zero net carbon emissions by 2050, with climate change adaptation plans that incorporate the health sector and investment in renewable energy.”
Professor Talley called on the Federal Government to establish a National Center for Health and Climate Change within the Australian Department of Health to develop a National Health and Climate Change Plan with real-time monitoring.
“Australia has an obligation under the Paris Agreement to submit enhanced nationally determined contributions by the end of 2020,” he wrote. “We recommend that the Australian government accept a target of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, which is what is likely to be required to limit global warming to below 1.5 ° C.”
In addition, Professor Talley asked the health and medical sector to play its part. “Australia’s healthcare sector should commit nationally to net zero carbon emissions by 2040 in accordance with the UK National Health Service, preferably with states and territories responsible for implementing evidence-based interventions,” he said. “Reducing unnecessary medical tests and procedures will serve to reduce carbon emissions, health care costs and harmful outcomes. Research funded by the NHMRC and the Futures Medical Research Fund should guide better ways to efficiently reduce the Carbon footprint of Australia’s healthcare services. “
On 3 December, the MJA co-published the MJA-Lancet Australian Countdown special report on health and climate change, which showed that “Australia does not have a decisive national plan to address climate change and its health consequences.”
We do agree with Professor and urge governments around the world to come together again and fight climate change
Source Phys.org
