HEALTH threats from extreme weather events and
diseases spread by mosquitoes have prompted SA Health to prioritise
adapting to climate change in a new blueprint.
Chief medical officer Paddy Phillips has told The Advertiser
the frequency and severity of heatwaves and bushfires, and the
increased risk of the spread of disease by insects and bugs, meant
climate change threatened the wellbeing of South Australians.
His warning comes as SA Health released its draft State Public Health Plan for the period from 2019-2024.
Professor
Phillips said multiple government agencies needed to consider the
impact of climate change when developing policies and strategies to
manage and prevent public health risks.
It should also be front of mind when agencies assessed the suitability of health infrastructure and assets.
“Variations in our climate have increased the frequency and severity of weather events such as floods, droughts, bushfires, storms (and) periods of extreme heat, as well as the spread of vector-borne diseases,” Prof Phillips said.
“These events threaten the wellbeing of our communities, especially in vulnerable populations.”
Increases in diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice have in recent years been linked to climate change on Australia’s east coast.
The draft report, that has been published for public consultation, lists four priorities:
Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said he would review the plan, which was drawn up on the watch of the former Labor state government, to determine if any additional issues needed to be addressed.
Mr Wade welcomed the inclusion of climate change as a priority.
“It is prudent for public health plans to consider the impact of climate change,” he said.
SA Greens leader Mark Parnell said a suite of measures, including better town planning and the design of individual homes to be more resilient to changing climatic conditions, was needed.
That would help South Australia adapt to the challenge of climate change.
“We know that with a hotter climate comes more health problems including increased hospitalisations and premature deaths from increasing heatwaves,” he said.
Links
His warning comes as SA Health released its draft State Public Health Plan for the period from 2019-2024.
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| SA Health chief medical officer Paddy Phillips gets a flu shot ahead of flu season. Picture: Dean Martin Source: News Corp Australia |
It should also be front of mind when agencies assessed the suitability of health infrastructure and assets.
“Variations in our climate have increased the frequency and severity of weather events such as floods, droughts, bushfires, storms (and) periods of extreme heat, as well as the spread of vector-borne diseases,” Prof Phillips said.
“These events threaten the wellbeing of our communities, especially in vulnerable populations.”
Increases in diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice have in recent years been linked to climate change on Australia’s east coast.
The draft report, that has been published for public consultation, lists four priorities:
- Create healthier neighbourhoods and communities.
- Protect against public and environmental health risks and adapt to climate change.
- Prevent chronic disease, communicable disease and injury.
- Further develop and maintain the statewide public health system.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said he would review the plan, which was drawn up on the watch of the former Labor state government, to determine if any additional issues needed to be addressed.
Mr Wade welcomed the inclusion of climate change as a priority.
“It is prudent for public health plans to consider the impact of climate change,” he said.
SA Greens leader Mark Parnell said a suite of measures, including better town planning and the design of individual homes to be more resilient to changing climatic conditions, was needed.
That would help South Australia adapt to the challenge of climate change.
“We know that with a hotter climate comes more health problems including increased hospitalisations and premature deaths from increasing heatwaves,” he said.
Links
- Health And Climate Change: Call For Urgent Action
- Australia One Of The Countries Most Exposed To Climate Change, Bank Warns
- Climate Change Promotes The Spread Of Mosquito And Tick Borne Viruses
- The Temperature Is Rising ... And So Is The Death Toll
- Health Savings Outweigh Costs Of Limiting Global Warming: Study
- With Political Leaders On The Sidelines, Sport Could Take The Lead On Climate Change
- Why Climate Change Is Worsening Public Health Problems
- How Climate Change Can Spread Respiratory Infection
- Study: Climate Change Is Damaging The Health Of Millions Of People
- Climate Change Already Damaging Health Of Millions Globally, Report Finds
- Climate Change And The Human Mind: A Noted Psychiatrist Weighs In
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