MEDIA RELEASE, 28 November 2019

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practioners has made a formal commitment to confront the health effects of climate change and has signed the 'Health Professionals Joint Call for Action on Climate Change and Health'.  

OraTaiao's Co-convenor, Dr Alexandra Macmillan, welcomed the signing, “As our world continues to warm we need commitment and concerted action from all sectors of society to ensure a just transition to a low-carbon world, so we are deeply heartened the College is joining 17 other health professional groups in signing this joint Call for Action on Climate Change and Health. This is an important first step by the College and demonstrates the concern within primary care about the health and social risks of unmitigated climate change.”

Dr Samantha Murton, College President said, “As health professionals, GPs have a role to play in ensuring adequate and equitable care is available for our population – which is why the Board felt it was appropriate for the College to join this Call to Action.” 

 Dr Murton says the College is working on several activities as part of its commitment to the Call to Action. See the College media release here. See the 'Health Professionals Joint Call to Climate Change and Health' here.

Dr Dermott Coffey, Dr Rebecca Randerson, Dr Alexandra Macmillan and Dr Samantha Murton.