Climate change and health
Consultation has concluded
We are inviting you to share your thoughts about climate change and health by providing your feedback on a draft SA Health Climate Change Framework.
What's being decided?
We are seeking your feedback on the proposed eight (8) priority action areas identified within a draft SA Health Climate Change Framework.
These priority areas outline the breadth and scope needed to achieve SA Health’s four (4) identified goals for responding to climate change, being:
- Environmentally sustainable
- Net Zero
- Climate resilient
- A provider of high-quality health services.
The Framework will guide SA Health’s workforce and health services located across South Australia to adapt to the growing impacts of climate change. It will bring sustained improvements in population health - despite an unstable climate.
Background
Climate change is the most significant health challenge and opportunity of our century and action is needed now, to ensure the future health of South Australians.
Climate change will affect everyone through:
- worsened air quality due to increased dust and pollens
- extreme weather events like fires and floods, and
- more frequent heatwaves.
Vulnerable people, including those with insecure housing, poverty, chronic illnesses, older South Australians and the young, will be most affected.
The draft Framework reflects some excellent work already underway within SA Health’s hospitals, health services and facilities. It recognises the significant roles the broader health sector has in climate mitigation, adaption and supporting the community. It also draws knowledge from existing work undertaken by other jurisdictions and peak bodies, adjusted to a South Australian health context.
Get involved
Find out more:
- read the draft SA Health Climate Change Framework
- take a look at our FAQs
- read the climate change and health fact sheet
Have your say by:
- taking our survey below and telling us what you think of the draft Framework
- sharing a comment on our 'Guest Book'
- asking a question online
- emailing a submission to public.health@sa.gov.au
- posting your written submission to:
Dr Kimberly Humphrey
Public Health Medical Consultant and Climate Change Lead
Public Health Division
Department for Health and Wellbeing
CitiCentre Building, 11 Hindmarsh Square
ADELAIDE SA 5000
What are the next steps?
Your feedback will ensure that the things that matter to you are considered in the development of the final SA Health Climate Change Framework, which will also inform development of future plans including an overarching SA Health Climate Change Strategy.
We will release the final Framework later in 2024 and will make it available on this page.