WA Health has published a report on the impact of climate change on human health, the first inquiry of its type anywhere in the world.
The Department’s Climate Health WA Inquiry Final Report covers the next 10 years of the WA health system’s response to climate change with the Government endorsing its 10 recommendations in principle.
Key findings in the report include recognition that climate action is necessary for health system sustainability and that the benefits of change far outweigh costs when health is factored in.
The inquiry found that the Western Australian health sector was close to the starting line in a race to reduce its own emissions and waste, but was keen to go further and faster.
The inquiry sought information from the community, Australian and international experts, to obtain the best science, data and evidence to inform the recommendations.
Announcing the report, Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the impacts of climate change were being experienced in both direct and indirect complex ways.
Mr Cook noted that last year was the State’s warmest and driest on record.
“We need to better understand the changes in disease and injury patterns affected by climate change so we can be better prepared and use our resources most efficiently,” Mr Cook said.
“The inquiry has helped to highlight the wide range of health impacts of climate change that have and will be felt, especially by those most vulnerable. That puts additional strain on health services at all levels.”
He said the report highlighted that health care services produced high emissions due to the nature of their activities.
“Many facilities operate 24 hours a day for 365 days a year and need to comply with high standards of hygiene, safety and quality to protect patients,” Mr Cook said.
“We can take more responsibility to ensure the healthcare system can minimise their waste and energy use to ultimately play our part to help mitigate climate change.”
The 158-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
