Global Health Professionals Call for Urgent Climate Action
Health professionals from around the world are uniting to demand that international governments take swift action to address climate change by phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. This call for action comes as health professionals increasingly witness patients suffering from health issues linked to climate change.
Representing over three million health professionals worldwide, the world's leading general practitioners (GPs) and health organizations are delivering an open letter to world leaders, urging them to protect global populations from the health risks posed by climate change. The letter highlights that frontline health workers are witnessing health emergencies triggered by the climate crisis, with the impacts already affecting their patients.
The open letter has garnered signatures from 39 prominent health organizations, including those from Canada, India, Europe, Pacific nations, and the UK. These organizations are advocating for governments to cease the expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure and production, phase out existing fossil fuels, eliminate subsidies, and make substantial investments in renewable energy.
To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and address the escalating climate health emergency, the letter emphasizes the need to end the proliferation of fossil fuels.
According to Nicole Higgins, the President of Australia's peak body for GPs, the world must prepare for the health impacts of climate change, as extreme events such as bushfires are predicted to become more frequent. She stresses the importance of preventive actions, including GPs discussing climate threats with patients and motivating them to prepare emergency plans based on their local circumstances and health needs.
The Director of the World Health Organization's environment, climate change, and health division, Maria Neira, highlights that air pollution leads to more than seven million premature deaths each year and describes climate change as one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century.
The call for action coincides with a conference in Sydney, where health organizations from around the world share their countries' experiences with climate change and its effects on patient health and well-being.
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