International organizations focused on health are calling for governments around the world to quickly eliminate the use of fossil fuels and prioritize the adoption of renewable energy. This is due to a growing number of health professionals witnessing patients experiencing negative health effects as a result of climate change.

On Saturday, an open letter will be delivered by the top global organizations for general practitioners and health professionals, totaling over three million members. The letter calls for immediate measures to address climate change and safeguard the well-being of communities.

“The open letter states that as family doctors, doctors, and health professionals from around the world, we are urging world leaders to take immediate action in protecting the health of the global population from the effects of the climate crisis.”

Representatives from 39 prominent health organizations, including the primary body for general practitioners and rural medicine in Australia, state that they are observing extensive effects on the well-being of individuals due to climate change in their clientele.

“We, as healthcare professionals, are now facing a growing number of health crises caused by the effects of climate change,” they explain.

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Despite the growing harm and suffering, there is still a push to develop new fossil fuel resources and greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise.

Health organizations from Canada, India, Europe, Pacific nations, and the UK have signed a petition urging governments to cease the expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure and production, gradually eliminate existing fuels, discontinue subsidies, and prioritize investment in renewable energy.

The letter states that in order to have a chance of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C and stopping the worsening of the climate health crisis, we must put an end to the increase of fossil fuels.

According to Nicole Higgins, the president of Australia’s leading organization for general practitioners (GPs), both Australia and the global community must be ready for the health consequences of climate change.

According to Higgins, as Australia gets ready for a potentially severe bushfire season similar to the one on Black Saturday, it serves as another indication of our current “normal” situation.

It is essential to take preventive measures, and General Practitioners (GPs) have a significant responsibility in this. They can help by discussing with and encouraging patients to create emergency plans that consider the potential risks of local climate and their individual situations and health requirements.

According to the director of the World Health Organization’s environment, climate change, and health division, Maria Neira, air pollution is responsible for over seven million untimely deaths annually.

Neira stated that climate change has been recognized as possibly the most significant health obstacle of the 21st century.

The conference in Sydney brings together medical professionals from around the world to discuss the impact of climate change on public health and patient well-being.

Source: theguardian.com