Healthy Futures
These toxic pollutants are known to be particularly hazardous to human health and can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, among other effects. Health workers are, in particular, deeply concerned by the rise in mercury emissions, a heavy metal that can permanently damage people's brains and kidneys. Mercury pollution is hazardous for vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women and older people. When mercury enters the environment, it accumulates in waterways and disrupts food chains, resulting in otherwise avoidable health problems.
AGL has shown a disregard for the health of Australians with this decision and the resulting increase in air pollution. Speaking on behalf of Healthy Futures supporters, Healthy Futures Campaigner Bronwyn McDonald says, "Health workers are deeply concerned about the implications of these increased emissions to local communities near these facilities and call on AGL to take immediate action to reduce them.
"We urge AGL to shift away from coal-fired power, and to invest in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to reduce its emissions and the impact on air quality. We are also calling on the government to step in and ensure that AGL and other energy producers are held to higher environmental protection standards".
Health workers are calling on the owners of all dirty, polluting energy sources to make the change to renewables as soon as possible. In particular, Healthy Futures urges AGL to consider alternatives to coal-powered energy and announce changes to their business plan that properly details new commitments to renewable energy sources to replace their aging coal fleet.
Healthy Futures Energy Transition Campaigner Bronwyn McDonald says, "Truly renewable energy sources are needed as part of a broader effort to protect public health and the environment. When AGL say they want us to 'Join the Change', we want them to explain what changes they will make to improve, not worsen, their emissions rap sheet.
"After the IPCC's final warnings, we must ensure our environment is safe and healthy for future generations. AGL as Australia's largest emissions polluter must take real action on climate change now to reduce polluting emissions from coal power stations.""
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About us:
Healthy Futures is a network of health workers and community supporters working together to take action on climate change.
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