DEA is focussed on human-induced climate change, widely regarded as now the most serious, and growing, worldwide threat to human health and survival and to social stability.
This is a topic of utmost urgency, and of great political and cultural complexity. All doctors have an important responsibility to explain both ongoing and newly-emerging environmental risks to public health, and to ensure that health services are equipped to handle for those threats.
All doctors have an important responsibility to explain both ongoing and newly-emerging environmental risks to public health, and to ensure that health services are equipped to handle for those threats.
DEA supports:
- rapid action to mitigate further climate change by reducing global CO2 levels to 300ppm
- an urgent and just transition to renewable energy sources with a phase out of fossil fuels like coal and unconventional gas
- preservation of forests and other carbon-dense ecosystems to protect carbon sinks
- action to draw down CO2 using biosequestration, such as with revegetation projects
- urban design that promotes use of public and active transport, goods transport by rail, renewable energy powered electric vehicles and low GHG international travel means
- promotion of the health co-benefits of action on climate change
- education of all medical and para-medical staff with training, institutional capacity, disaster preparedness, ancillary support services, and upgraded public health surveillance and risk-reduction programs.
- efforts to stabilise global population including reproductive rights for all women
- dietary changes including a reduction in red meat consumption to decrease emissions from the agricultural sector and improve health
View the detailed statements by clicking on the links below.
DEA Policy – Climate Change and Health v08-13.
DEA_Position_Statement_-_Climate_Change_and_Health_v05-13
DEA is honoured to have our Scientific Advisory Committee member, Professor Tony Mc Michael as a co-author of these important documents, along with Management Committee members, Dr Dimity Williams and Professor David Shearman