The 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms

The Lancet, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 402(10419), С. 2346 - 2394

Опубликована: Ноя. 14, 2023

Язык: Английский

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The 2023 report of the MJA–Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: sustainability needed in Australia's health care sector

The Medical Journal of Australia, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 220(6), С. 282 - 303

Опубликована: Март 24, 2024

The MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change in Australia was established 2017 produced its first national assessment 2018 annual updates 2019, 2020, 2021 2022. It examines five broad domains: hazards, exposures impacts; adaptation, planning resilience for health; mitigation actions co-benefits; economics finance; public political engagement. In this, the sixth report of Countdown, we track progress an extensive suite indicators across these domains, accessing presenting latest data further refining developing our analyses. Our results highlight economic costs inaction change. A series major flood events four eastern states 2022 main contributor to insured losses from climate-related catastrophes $7.168 billion - highest amount record. floods also directly caused 23 deaths resulted displacement tens thousands people. High red meat processed consumption insufficient fruit vegetables accounted about half 87 166 diet-related 2021. Correction this imbalance would both save lives reduce heavy carbon footprint associated with production. We find signs Importantly, Australian Government released Australia's National Health Climate Strategy, Western is preparing a Sector Adaptation Plan. increasing action on, engagement with, at community level, number electric vehicle sales almost doubling compared 2021, 65% increase coverage media Overall, urgency substantial enhancements adaptation responses enormous challenge cannot be overstated. energy system, care sector, currently emit unreasonable unjust proportion greenhouse gases into atmosphere. As Lancet enters second most critical phase leadup 2030, depth breadth will augmented increasingly examine regional context, better measure key issues such as mental Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander wellbeing.

Язык: Английский

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Climate change, environmental extremes, and human health in Australia: challenges, adaptation strategies, and policy gaps

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 40, С. 100936 - 100936

Опубликована: Ноя. 1, 2023

Climate change presents a major public health concern in Australia, marked by unprecedented wildfires, heatwaves, floods, droughts, and the spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Despite these challenges, Australia's response to climate crisis has been inadequate subject politics, sentiment, global developments. This study illustrates spatiotemporal patterns selected climate-related environmental extremes (heatwaves, droughts) across Australia during past two decades, summarizes adaptation measures actions that have taken national, state/territory, local governments. Our findings reveal significant impacts on well-being Australians. While governments implemented various strategies, plans must be further developed yield concrete actions. Moreover, Indigenous Australians should not left out efforts. A collaborative, comprehensive approach involving all levels government is urgently needed prevent, mitigate, adapt change.

Язык: Английский

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‘You can’t really separate these risks, our environment, our animals and us’: Australian children’s perceptions of the risks of the climate crisis

Health Promotion International, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 39(2)

Опубликована: Март 7, 2024

Abstract Perceptions of the risks associated with climate crisis are shaped by a range social and political contexts information sources. While some have expressed concerns about impact spread misinformation through media platforms on young people, others shown that youth movement has played key role in countering misinformation. Despite this, there been very limited research children how they conceptualize crisis, receive information, understand apply this to their own others’ lives. The following qualitative study used photo-elicitation techniques in-depth interviews Australian address gap. A total n = 28 (12–16 years) participated, four themes constructed from data using reflexive approach thematic analysis. Children were concerned would continue harm futures health planet people. They recognized groups countries experience more as compared others. received different sources (school, family, media), mostly seek out information. sites could be source misinformation, argued strategies needed identify counter false crisis. Children's perspectives must harnessed improve action.

Язык: Английский

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Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 20(13), С. 6285 - 6285

Опубликована: Июль 3, 2023

Climate change is exposing populations to increasing temperatures and extreme weather events in many parts of Australia. To prepare for climate challenges, there a growing need Local Health Districts (LHDs) identify potential health impacts their region strengthen the capacity system respond accordingly. This rapid review summarised existing evidence research gaps on impact services Northern New South Wales (NSW)—a ‘hotspot’ disaster declarations. We systematically searched online databases selected 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012–2022 NSW region. The most explored outcome was mental aftermath floods droughts, followed by increased healthcare utilisation due respiratory, cardiovascular mortality outcomes associated with bushfire smoke or heat waves. Future directions were recommended understand: compounding system, local data needs that can better inform models predict future risks region, vulnerable require whole-of-system response during different phases disasters. In conclusion, provided LHD may undertake adaptation mitigation policies strategies relevant

Язык: Английский

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“Older people will die of old age. I’ll die of climate change”: engaging children and young people in climate decision making for public health

BMC Public Health, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 24(1)

Опубликована: Июль 12, 2024

Abstract Background The climate crisis is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, future generations. While there are calls for children people’s engagement in decision making, current power structures limit their participation. This paper aimed understand children’s perspectives about impact on futures, ability influence decisions, strategies mechanisms facilitate greater decisions made crisis. Methods Online in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 28 (aged 12–16 years) across Australia. Photo elicitation techniques used prompt discussion how impacted engage them making. A reflexive approach thematic analysis was construct three themes from data. Images analysed ascribed meanings. Results First, participants stated that they generations will inherit older generations, specifically makers. Second, described need address range age-related barriers including perceptions capabilities. Finally, discussed embed within at civic political levels. Conclusions Children people have right be involved which significantly wellbeing. They argue structural changes views describe structure knowledge making processes. Furthermore, genuine involvement discussions must avoid youthwashing tokenistic public community can help youth participation action should actively collaborate democratic over involves room creating an accessible seat table ensure embedded decisions.

Язык: Английский

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Planetary health: a new standard for medical education

The Medical Journal of Australia, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 219(11), С. 512 - 515

Опубликована: Ноя. 10, 2023

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) recently released updates to the National Framework for Prevocational (PGY1 and PGY2) Training Standards Assessment Accreditation of Primary Programs (medical school standards). Together, these cover all medical programs in Australia Aotearoa New Zealand accredited prevocational training Australia.1, 2 In a significant development, standards recognise health impacts climate change, need environmentally sustainable practice,3 planetary health.4 This welcome necessary development comes as environmental indicators deteriorate. All education institutions should now integrate into curricula ensure profession is equipped respond unfolding crisis realise care. Climate biodiversity loss pollution constitute triple that having profound on human wellbeing.5-7 Adverse escalate with every increment global heating.5, 6 2023 report from Intergovernmental Panel Change declared "There rapidly closing window opportunity secure liveable future all".6 2022, Beyond Blue found 80% Australians reported experiencing an disaster since 2019: 63% heatwaves, 47% flooding, 42% bushfires, 36% drought, 29% destructive storms.8 Increasingly severe extreme weather events also affect Zealanders.9 acute injuries illness, floods storms can devastate communities leave longer term legacy chronic conditions, homelessness, financial distress, psychological trauma.10 change increases inequities those already disadvantage are disproportionately affected.6, 10 Extreme heat responsible more deaths than other combined,11 projected increase mortality NZ.9, We perilously close tipping points could see collapse food stocks fresh water sources.6 Biodiverse environments have potential mitigate some shifts, but ongoing losses hastening processes.7 Pollution directly contributes loss, 9 million premature globally year.7 threatens displace entire communities.5 For Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Māori peoples whose holistic conceptualisation rooted connection Country, geographic dislocation culturally sites implications.12, 13 Uncertainty about pervasive, especially among young people who widespread distress negatively impacting mental health.8 It time reorientate practice medicine engage challenges. no ignore broader context influences pathogenesis disease its prevention management.14, 15 must acknowledge care contributing problem. Health 7% Australia's carbon footprint generates enormous waste.16 Simply avoiding low value or harmful reduce sector's emissions by 40%, prevent substantial iatrogenic harm.17 Planetary recognises inextricably linked state ecological systems, which increasingly predicated actions populations.4 represents progression biopsychosocial model biopsychosocial–ecological acknowledges fundamental role environment teaching medicine.14 provides platform embed Indigenous knowledges practice. provide powerful examples integrated management basis decolonisation education.12, 18 professionals, academic services their responding unsustainable practices.19 Doctors responded by: providing emergency following events; preparedness;20 adapting models resilience emissions;17 advocating government implement changes needed healthy future.21 As part larger movement efforts yielded broad recognition issue, national strategy health, adoption progressive energy policy, establishment Sustainable Healthcare Units multiple jurisdictions. However, measures remain piecemeal insufficient.21 pace scale at comprehensive occur within systems limited knowledge skills workforce.20 make essential contribution. despite much commentary, task integrating largely remains incomplete.15, 22 To achieve goal net zero care, we emerging climate–health challenges, co-benefits living, levels training. Following calls community including Environment Australia, educators, Association others,14, 23, 24 AMC has included elements recent standards.1, updated form foundation developing continuum education.1 They apply United Nations Brundtland Commission definition sustainability, "meeting needs present without compromising ability generations meet own needs",3 2015 Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet health: "Put simply, civilisation natural it depends."4 sustainability includes "consideration environmental, social economic decisions programs", particular emphasis contribution change.2 mirror requiring be considered when ordering investigations prescribing.1, stipulate graduates address history taking whole-of-person attain understanding "how clinical individuals influence equity system sustainability".2 These extend graduate advocate, beyond appreciation determinants, include commitment "to advocacy improve access outcomes individual patients, system-level socially accountable manner".2 Importantly, new highlight sciences informatics alongside biological, clinical, behavioural frameworks. intrinsic importance safe practice, wellbeing recognised contribute realisation practices.12, 15, revised Framework, scheduled implementation 2024, will inform how Authorities (PTAAs) accredit hospitals doctors first two years practice.1 turn accredits PTAAs using Framework. outcome statements professional leader, "Responsibilities doctor supporting individuals, populations generations, teaching, promoting healthcare system".1 addition, advocates, able tangible effects determinants determinants. There requirement costs rational use prescribing, cost considerations.1 Specialist Programs25 yet do not prescribed learning statements. Criteria CPD Homes26 program-level requirements aligned code conduct Australia,27 outlines responsibility protect advance resources wisely. Several colleges specialist curricula, Royal College General Practitioners, Australasian Emergency Medicine, Rural Remote Anaesthetists. both vocational trainees specialists undertaking continuing offerings required. important accreditation society evolving threats populations. mean expect sustained focus reorienting sector. degree determined educators institutional leaders. While monitoring occurs least biennially, full assessments schools over multi-year cycles up ten years. also, appropriately, takes non-prescriptive approach whereby organisation being scope locally appropriate demonstrate attains each standard. therefore lies educational providers drive implementation. Barriers demand content inclusion lack familiarity educators.14, experienced continuously landscape. Integrated approaches pressure curriculum content,14 available aid this transition.15, International Professions Education consensus statement outcomes, objectives, domains, activities assessment approaches.28 Navarrete-Welton colleagues share experience longitudinally implementing Brown University's competency-based curriculum. Key insights student leadership utilising taskforce students, administrators faculty.29 Columbia University hosts Global Consortium Education, extensive range materials resource bank.30 NZ, collaborated published objectives freely available.24 developed map integration organ-system based resources.31 major contemporary Australasia. move practitioners prepared crisis. thank contributed advancing Zealand, globally. Open publishing facilitated University, Wiley - agreement via Librarians. No relevant disclosures. Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Язык: Английский

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Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review

Current Environmental Health Reports, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 11(1), С. 71 - 87

Опубликована: Янв. 15, 2024

Abstract Purpose of Review Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune the public impacts continues be underprepared, putting population at risk. However, there dearth in knowledge about how Australian system will address climate change. Recent Findings This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, guidance material suitable for adaptation from preventive perspective. The literature search was conducted electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 met inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods excluded clinical context reactive disaster response approaches. Summary revealed ill-prepared manage adverse due ineffective strategies. highlights urgently requires effective strategies such as undertaking National Adaptation Plan process an improved understanding managing complex risks. Taking this action strengthen build resilience especially vulnerable populations. These findings help understand develop necessary adaptive Australia.

Язык: Английский

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Priorities for planetary health equity in Australia

The Medical Journal of Australia, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 221(5), С. 236 - 238

Опубликована: Июль 24, 2024

Much evidence exists showing the very real threats to human survival, premature deaths and poor health outcomes from nexus between impacts of climate change economic social inequities.1, 2 Given this crisis planetary equity — defined here as equitable enjoyment good in a stable Earth system preventive action is needed address common underlying drivers inequities. These are located within consumptogenic system, which web institutions, actors, policies, commercial activities norms that encourages rewards exploitation natural resources, production fossil fuels, hyperconsumerism fuel-reliant goods services, results environmental degradation, change, inequities.2 In perspective article, we relay urgency identified by researchers, senior bureaucrats, politicians, former business leaders civil society groups Planetary Health Equity Hothouse Policy Symposium3 for transforming with focus on models, policy coherence, advocacy. We highlight opportunities sector provide leadership these issues. The has an important role pursuit equity. Unfortunately, analysis Australian parliamentary bureaucratic engagement 2021 found marginal superficial at national level, although states territories have led way more better targeted engagement.4 However, afoot; increasing attention issues Australia can be seen Honourable Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister Aged Care, launched Australia's National Climate Strategy5 December 2023 world stage 28th Conference Parties (COP28), decision-making body United Nations Framework Convention Change (UNFCC), first ever Day. Having strategy provides signal government connected require action. Strategy also authorising environment framework bureaucracy now work through. It excellent see First peoples, right so centrally positioned. wealth shows, addressing inequities requires structural reform, not just adaptation about helping communities survive is. all policies objective misses opportunity tackle change: do would mitigation across sectors, especially energy. fails recognise fuel extraction driving force outcomes. Moving forward it will vitally moves beyond care system. Energy policy. Equity-focused energy reduce globally. Economic growth models lie core makers public tend assume unilaterally thing. modern growth, measured gross domestic product, raises number challenges. been driven primarily asset- credit-financed consumption.6 Rising property prices liberal credit regime underpin model. Policies enable scenario supported coalition interests finance, insurance, real-estate construction organised labour sector, Australians assets. political influence actors similarity both Labor Coalition governments' housing market policies. Although delivered gains some, generated widespread economic7 inequities8 fundamentally incompatible objectives. response roots contemporary challenges, movement wellbeing economy agitating service health.9, 10 demonstrates inclusive sustainable prioritises because they meet needs people planet, its own sake, possible desirable. To achieve equity, must designed ensures fair foundation, environments operating ecological ceiling, normative shift away harmful systems.11 early days, there signs embrace new ideas directions developing through adoption budget principles frameworks Commonwealth level some state Australia.12 addition policy, particularly advances rather than undermines goals another promote progress hampered dominance short term security discourse13 corporate making.14 interest factors undermining obfuscating consideration co-benefits development Australia.15 Countries' Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reports, identify their commitments inform negotiations COP (the formal meeting UNFCC parties), indications what governments consider mitigation, including wider COP28 announced various pledges initiatives. Estimates suggest only one-quarter total emissions savings could achieved initiatives additional existing NDCs.16 Healthy NDC Scorecard17 assesses extent dimensions actions. Historically, performed among lowest world. As prepares updated submission 2025, Authority's broad consultative approach indicators hope progressive commensurate scale intersecting crises Proactive ongoing input community essential successful embedding considerations into NDCs, turn support other countries commit much greater ambition NDCs. Participants Symposium repeatedly called government, international organisations, businesses groups. protect, assure citizens With election Albanese 2022, made fundamental yet still long go thwart extinction. increased 43% reduction below 2005 levels 2030 great start, but if serious sticking Paris Agreement, need target commits 75% net zero 2035.18 Fossil fuels phased out. know determinants health,19 implement mandatory regulation markets mitigate harms investment renewable sources. This easy sell mass mobilisation get done. There hope. At recent left desired, two authors (CH FN) were present saw thousands around motivated towards single goal: tide change. peoples travelled speak ancient Indigenous Knowledge wisdom preserves protects Country; young spoke fear hold future; doctors nurses educate importance climate; activists risked freedom shout loudly contradiction petrochemical leading world's most negotiations. Australia, cannot stand wait bold agenda. direct indirect burdens associated continue worsen. urge use capital created launching help ministerial colleagues actions portfolios matter choices Cabinet make determine health, and, ultimately, survival our regional neighbours. Sharon Friel receives funding Research Council Laureate Fellowship. Open access publishing facilitated University, part Wiley - University agreement via Librarians. No relevant disclosures. Commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Язык: Английский

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Assessing the comprehensiveness and vertical coherence of climate change action plans: The case of Australia

Journal of Environmental Management, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 369, С. 122419 - 122419

Опубликована: Сен. 6, 2024

Язык: Английский

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