The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is calling for climate change to return to the political agenda as a health priority, warning that climate change is already affecting Australians’ health and increasing pressure on the healthcare system.
The call follows the release of the RACGP’s updated Climate change and planetary health position statement, which outlines the role of general practice in protecting health, supporting communities and strengthening Australia’s response to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The RACGP says Australia’s own evidence demonstrates the need for action. The National Climate Risk Assessment found that climate change is already putting Australia’s health system under pressure, with current climate risk assessed as moderate-to-high. Heatwaves, bushfires, floods and other hazards are increasing illness, worsening health impacts and adding to demand for healthcare.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said climate change is not a future health risk – it is a health emergency already affecting Australians.
“GPs are seeing the health impacts of climate change first-hand, from extreme heat, bushfires, floods and poor air quality to the impacts on people living with chronic conditions and those experiencing disadvantage,” he said.
“Australia cannot afford for climate change to fall off the agenda while the health impacts continue to grow. Governments must put health at the centre of climate policy, fully implement the National Health and Climate Strategy, and invest in prevention and primary care to build healthier, more climate-resilient communities.
“As the most accessed health profession in Australia, GPs have a critical role to play in safeguarding population health by helping patients and communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the health impacts of climate change,” Dr Wright said.
“We also have an important responsibility to advocate for policies that protect the health of current and future generations.”
“It’s time for a transition to a net zero healthcare system and general practice can lead the way.”
The updated Position Statement commits the RACGP to supporting environmentally sustainable general practice, reducing the College’s own environmental impact and ensuring GPs are equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognise, prevent and respond to the health impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The RACGP is calling on federal, state and territory governments to:
Establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coalition on Climate and Health as recommended by the Lowitja Institute.
Adopt a ‘health-in-all-policies’ approach that maximises the synergies between good climate policy, health and the wider determinants of health
Fully fund the implementation of the National health and climate strategy.
Commit to a ‘net zero’ healthcare system by 2040 with the majority of greenhouse gas emissions cut by 2030
Introduce legislation to require government to consider the health and wellbeing of current and future children when making decisions likely to result in substantial greenhouse gas emission increases and contribute to climate change
Adopt legislation and regulation to prevent communities experiencing detrimental health effects from harmful exposure to air pollution
End expansion of any new fossil fuel infrastructure and production, phase out existing production and use of fossil fuels and remove fossil fuel subsidies, investing in renewable energy
The RACGP’s Position Statement recognises that fossil fuels are a major health hazard, causing both climate change and harmful air pollution. Phasing out fossil fuels and reducing exposure to air pollution are important public health measures.
The RACGP acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are disproportionately affected by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Climate responses must be developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise the importance of Country, culture and Indigenous knowledge in health, wellbeing and climate resilience. The RACGP and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)’s National guide to preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has a topic on the health impacts of climate change to advise GPs on clinical care and practice recommendations.
Dr Nicole Sleeman, Chair of the RACGP Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interest Group, said general practice is central to Australia’s climate health response.
“Investing in prevention and primary care builds healthier communities that are less vulnerable to climate-related health impacts and strengthens our health system’s ability to respond.
“General practice is key to the transition to a net zero healthcare system. Preventing illness and providing care in the community reduces avoidable hospital care and supports high-value, low-carbon healthcare.
“The RACGP’s updated Climate Change and Planetary Health Position Statement reinforces the role of general practice in protecting Australians’ health and supporting communities in a changing climate.”
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