Global Health Professionals Advocate for Urgent Climate Action

Over three million health professionals worldwide, represented by leading global health bodies, have joined forces to demand immediate action from international governments against climate change. They are urging a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, as they witness an increasing number of patients suffering from the health impacts of Climate change.

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On Saturday, an open letter will be delivered, underscoring the need for swift action to safeguard community health from the climate crisis. The letter states, “We the family doctors, doctors, and health professionals of the world call on world leaders to take urgent action to safeguard the health of global populations from the climate crisis.”

Health professionals from 39 prominent organizations, including Australia’s peak body for GPs and rural medicine, have put their names to the letter. They report witnessing firsthand the widespread impacts of Climate change on human health.

“As frontline health workers, we are increasingly responding to health emergencies triggered by the climate crisis,” the signatories explain, highlighting the contradiction as new fossil fuel resources continue to be developed, and greenhouse gas emissions rise.

The demands are clear: stop the expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure and production, phase out existing fuels, eliminate subsidies, and invest in renewable energy. This, they believe, is vital to limit Global warming to 1.5C and address the escalating climate health emergency.

Australia’s GP body president, Nicole Higgins, emphasizes the need for preparation for the health impacts of climate change, particularly with the anticipated severe bushfire season. She advocates for preventative action and the crucial role of GPs in helping patients prepare emergency plans tailored to local climate threats and personal health needs.

Maria Neira from the World Health Organization underscores the severity of the situation, stating, “Climate change has been identified as potentially the greatest health challenge of the 21st century.” She reminds us of the stark reality: air pollution results in over seven million premature deaths annually.

As Sydney hosts a global conference for doctors to share experiences on climate change and its health impacts, the unified call for urgent climate action resonates louder than ever, highlighting the need for immediate and significant change.

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