Dr Sophie Scamps calls for inquiry into health impacts of climate change
The climate crisis facing Australia requires a first of its kind federal strategy to protect the health and mental health of Australians, independent candidate for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps said today.
"If elected, I will be using my platform as a crossbench independent to push for a parliamentary inquiry into the way in which climate change is affecting the health of Australians and how we can act in a positive way as a nation to reduce the impact of bushfires, floods, droughts and extreme heat on our lives," Dr Scamps said.
"As a local GP and emergency room doctor, I have seen the impacts of extreme weather, particularly heatwaves that are so harmful to the elderly and the vulnerable.
"It is no surprise the World Health Organization says climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity. Heat has killed more Australians than any other extreme weather event and air pollution due to fossil fuel emissions causes more than 5,000 Australian deaths a year, according to the Australian Academy of Science.
"A parliamentary inquiry would be a first step to the creation of a National Climate, Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This is an issue that has not been addressed effectively at the federal level and I will work with whoever forms government, the crossbench and opposition to get genuine action in this area."
Dr Scamps said the inadequate response to climate change by the Australian Government was worsening eco-anxiety, particularly in children and young Australians.
"Extreme weather events are having a huge impact on people's mental health, in many instances for years after the events occur. In communities throughout Australia we've seen clinically diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and suicide increase during the years following such events," she said.
"We need to work together in a positive way to reduce people's concerns. The formation of a national strategy on climate and health impacts can achieve this. A national strategy could ensure the capacity of health services and the healthcare workforce to respond to climate impacts on mental and physical health and allow for tailored primary care for the specific needs of local communities."
Dr Scamps said climate health impacts were global by nature but also a major local issue in the Mackellar electorate. Flooding has caused weeks of poor water quality on the Northern Beaches, with adverse health impacts.
"Just last month during severe flooding a junior lifesaving championship at Queenscliff had to be postponed due to a gastro outbreak which affected hundreds of kids and their families, including many in Mackellar," Dr Scamps said.
"If you want to see concrete evidence of how climate change is also affecting the environment in Mackellar, look no further than the Collaroy seawall which surfers and scientists say could impact one of our most iconic surf beaches – Narrabeen."
Dr Scamps was joined on Friday by surfing legend Tom Carroll, a Mackellar local who said the community was already being impacted by the effects of climate change.
"We have to take note of the cost at all levels, including our health and mental health, from the recent flooding events along the east coast. There is a distinct lack of confidence in our federal government leaders to provide the swift and steady support communities need. When people needed help and action, it wasn't there and people feel they are just not being heard by the government," said Mr. Carroll.
Former big wave surfer, and owner of Manly Surf School, Matt Grainger said his business had been directly impacted by the flooding.
"We normally have surf schools from Palm Beach to Collaroy, Long Reef and Manly, however in March we were forced to cancel 90% of our bookings due to the pollution in the water from the floods. I have never seen the water as bad as this in 30 years of doing business on the Northern Beaches."
