New Report Uncovers Alarming Health Risks Linked to Climate Change: What You Need to Know

Dr. Danielle McMullen, President of the AMA, recently discussed a report that highlights the serious health risks linked to climate change. She stressed that this assessment echoes concerns raised by the AMA and other health organizations for years.

In 2019, the AMA partnered with the British Medical Association and Doctors for the Environment to urge immediate action against climate change, warning of dire consequences if we don’t act. The report indicates that if global temperatures rise more than 3°C, heat-related deaths in Sydney could skyrocket by 450%. That’s alarming, to say the least.

Every year, we see heatwaves and record-high temperatures worldwide. Unfortunately, these conditions often lead to tragedies, especially among vulnerable groups who lack proper cooling options.

Dr. McMullen also highlighted the impact of climate-induced disasters on health services. For instance, the floods in Lismore severely affected local healthcare providers, limiting their ability to care for patients.

At a recent AMA roundtable, experts discussed not just physical health risks, but also the mental health challenges posed by rising temperatures. An increasing number of young people are visiting emergency rooms due to heat-related issues.

Additionally, Dr. McMullen pointed out the specific impact of climate change on First Nations communities, emphasizing the need for their involvement in crafting solutions.

Warming temperatures contribute to the spread of diseases, too. For example, after flooding in Queensland, there was a rise in cases of melioidosis, a serious infection caused by a soil bacterium.

Dr. McMullen welcomes the federal government’s climate commitments but urges that health impacts be considered in all related policy decisions. She looks forward to collaborating with the government as they develop the National Health and Climate Change Strategy.

To learn more about the links between climate change and health, you can check out resources from the World Health Organization.

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