Australian Medical Association And DEA Urge Climate Action Call

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The Australian Medical Association and Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) have jointly issued a call to action for federal, state, and territorial governments, as well as the broader healthcare sector, to address climate change and preserve the ozone layer urgently ().

World Ozone Day 2023

World Ozone Day, which occurs every year on September 16th and is officially known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, serves the purpose of increasing public consciousness regarding the significance of the ozone layer. It aims to underscore the critical link between ozone layer depletion and the resultant global warming and climate change on a global scale. The theme for World Ozone Day 2023 is focused on the "Montreal Protocol: Restoring the Ozone Layer and Mitigating Climate Change."

They proposed an interim reduction target of 80% by 2030 and request additional government resources to combat climate change. Professor Steve Robson, President of the AMA underlined the medical sector's leadership role in addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of prompt and resolute action to safeguard the health of both Australia and the world.

‘Australian Medical Association and Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) have endorsed a joint statement that advocates for a healthcare system with a net-zero emissions target by 2040. #climatechange #worldozoneday ’

Dr. John Van Der Kallen, Chair of DEA, echoed Professor Robson's sentiments, stressing the duty of care that doctors and healthcare professionals have in responding to the climate health emergency. He stressed the responsibility of clinicians to advocate for government and healthcare sector prioritization of climate mitigation and adaptation policies to protect the health of present and future generations.

The statement was signed during an annual webinar, "Australia's doctors - driving action on climate change," hosted by the AMA and DEA. During the webinar, the AMA, DEA, and medical colleges stressed the urgent need for the healthcare sector in Australia to swiftly reduce its carbon footprint and transition away from greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Insights from Expert on Australia's Health and Climate Initiatives

Professor Paul Kelly, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, also presented at the webinar, emphasizing the critical role of the government in establishing the National Health Sustainability and Climate Unit and the ongoing consultation to develop the National Health and Climate Strategy.

While recognizing the federal government's efforts in this regard, the AMA, DEA, and medical colleges called for adequate resources to be allocated to the unit to ensure effective delivery of the National Health and Climate Strategy.

Reference:

1. Medical sector calls for urgent action on climate change and investment in healthcare sustainability - (https:www.ama.com.au/media/medical-sector-calls-urgent-action-climate-change-and-investment-healthcare-sustainability)

Source: Medindia