RACGP backs Parliamentary push for climate protections

Future generations will be at the forefront of government thinking if a new climate change Bill passes through the Federal Parliament.
 
Introduced by Independent Australian Capital Territory Senator David Pocock, the Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity Bill proposes changes to the Climate Change Act, calling for greater scrutiny of climate-related projects.
 
‘We stand at a truly terrifying point in human history,’ Senator Pocock said when tabling the Bill.
 
‘A point where we now know enough about atmospheric physics and complex adaptive systems to no longer be able to truthfully assure young people that “everything will be ok”.
 
‘Short-term policy thinking, and decisions made by politicians who prioritise political expediency over our moral duty to young people and future generations has well and truly caught up with us.
 
‘Future generations will judge us based on the world they inherit.’
 
Should it pass, the Bill will require lawmakers to not approve the exploration or extraction of coal, oil, or natural gas if the decision poses a material risk of harm to the health and wellbeing of children in Australia.
 
Speaking out in support of the Bill, RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said climate change is already impacting the health of Australians, and it is GPs who are on the frontline.
 
‘Climate change has widespread impacts on human health,’ she said.
 
‘Bushfires, heatwaves, floods, storms, and cyclones kill, cause injuries, spread disease and cause long-term mental health issues.  
 
‘The health impacts of climate change on our population, and particularly our children and future generations, should be considered in all government decisions that could substantially contribute to climate change.’
 
The proposal comes after Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) called for similar safeguards to be introduced to protect patients’ health earlier this month.
 
New research from Harvard University has also revealed fossil fuel air pollution is responsible for one in five deaths globally, and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
 
The climate push is gaining momentum in the lead up to the first ever Health Day at the COP28 United Nations Climate Conference on 3 December, which will highlight the health impacts of climate change and the health case for climate action.  
 
RACGP Specific Interests Climate and Environmental Medicine Chair Dr Catherine Pendrey called on leaders to act urgently, describing climate change as a ‘global public health emergency’. 
 
‘The fact that this summer is predicted to be one of the worst bushfire seasons since Black Saturday is a stark reminder that climate change is already impacting our health,’ she said.
 
‘Our government has a responsibility to safeguard the health of Australia’s population and global populations from the climate crisis.
 
‘This is in the best interests of our children, and future generations.’
 
Earlier this year, the Senate referred the Duty of Care Bill to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry, with a final report due on 1 March 2024.
 
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