New study looks at impact of climate change on asthma rate

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The government is being called on to consider the health impacts of climate change in its policy decisions. A survey by Asthma Australia suggests sufferers feel more should be done to protect the most vulnerable.

Transcript

00:00 We are very supportive of the government's commitment to a climate and health strategy

00:06 and the recent consultation was a good starting point for that.

00:10 But the consultation paper focused very strongly on the health sector, on reducing emissions

00:15 from the sector and on preparing the sector for increased demand due to health impacts

00:20 of climate change.

00:22 We think first and foremost the number one objective of the strategy needs to be to protect

00:27 the health and wellbeing of Australians and it was also very low on detailed action.

00:32 So we would like to see a detailed draft strategy before progressing to a final strategy as

00:40 the government have suggested so that we can detail actions, consult with the community

00:45 and ensure the strategy achieves its full potential.

00:49 And ASTMA Australia would like to see actions on air pollution and housing specifically.

00:54 So air pollution is the number one adaptation priority facing us going forward.

01:01 We would like to see funding for a national air quality public education campaign.

01:08 We'd like to see the expansion of low cost air quality sensors so every community can

01:13 have access to real time local air quality information and also supports for people with

01:18 respiratory issues on low incomes and who are renting.

01:23 And in terms of housing, most people are increasingly seeking shelter in their homes from the impacts

01:30 of climate change, whether it be heat, whether it be bushfires or floods.

01:34 So we would like to ensure that homes can be the safe and healthy spaces they need to

01:39 be.

01:39 [BLANK_AUDIO]

Category

Transcript

Recommended