HEAL is supporting the implementation of the  by providing internationally recognised scientific and policy expertise, as well as community and practice engagement and outreach across Australia.

Climate change, largely caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is aggravating environmental hazards such as extreme heat, bushfires, air pollution, floods and droughts, and affecting the distribution of infectious diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis.  

The National Health and Climate Strategy aims to build healthy, climate-resilient communities, and a sustainable, resilient, high-quality, net zero Australian health system. It supports whole-of-government action and contributes to international collaboration. It also emphasises the need to elevate the leadership, wisdom and knowledge of First Nations people in the response to the health impacts of climate change.

Working closely with the National Health, Sustainability and Climate Unit at the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, HEAL provides expertise in support of various aspects of the Strategy, including climate change risk assessment, climate change mitigation, sustainable food and waste management practices in the health sector, vulnerability and adaptation assessment, and health in all policies.

Funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care

UC project team: Sotiris Vardoulakis, Enembe Okokon, Luise Kazda, Aditya Vyas, Ro McFarlane, Jacki Schirmer, Murray Turner, Daniela Espinoza Oyarce and Kinley Wangdi

External team members: Veronica Matthews, Kate Charlesworth, Rebecca Haddock, Arthur Wyns, Stefanie Carino, Chelsea Hunnisett, Carmel Williams, Rachel De Sain, Michael Tong, Alexandra Barratt, McGain, Forbes McGain   

Matthews V., Atkinson A-R, Grace L., Jo L., Vardoulakis S., Mohamed J., 2023. Justice, culture, and relationships: Australian Indigenous prescription for planetary health. Science 381(6658), 636-641. DOI: 10.1126/science.adh9949

Vardoulakis S., 2021. Reflections on climate change and the Australian health system. Australian Health Review.