Climate and health is a focus of College advocacy and featured in discussions during the recent Board and Council meeting. 

The College encourages members to engage in discussions on the topic in Connect@ACRRM, and to provide feedback to the policy team that will help inform information and resources. 

ACRRM is committed to: 

  • continuing to join global efforts to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on human health and to advocate for positive action 
  • supporting the development of a National Climate Change and Health Strategy to facilitate planning for future climate health impacts, and rural research into the health effects of climate changes 
  • promoting the role of the Rural Generalist in responding to the burden of non-communicable disease resulting from climate change such as mental illness, to provide high quality care, and keep people healthy and out of hospital 
  • reviewing its curriculum and training programs to reflect the related emerging priorities for Rural Generalist practice 
  • promoting environmental sustainability within its own operations and the health sector more broadly and support members in their efforts to do the same within their own practices and work environments. 
  • The Australian Government has committed to a National Climate and Health Strategy, with consultation due to open in June this year. ACRRM will follow the strategy consultation process and provide feedback to ensure a “rural-proofing lens” is applied to climate policy and the health of populations living in rural and remote Australia.  

The College has recently joined the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and other medical Colleges in the Healthy Climate Future Campaign and our logo will appear on the website shortly. The campaign represents more than 100,000 doctors and calls for a climate-ready and climate-friendly health system. It aligns with ACRRM’s Position Statement on Climate and Health in calling for the establishment of a National Sustainable Healthcare Unit to support environmentally sustainable practice in healthcare.  

To learn more about the College’s work in this space, visit Climate and Health, email Policy@acrrm.org.au and engage in the climate and health forum in Connect@ACRRM.