Healthy economic decision to end off-shore oil exploration
MEDIA RELEASE
28 September 2018
OraTaiao welcomes the government’s amendment bill to stop offering new oil permits as a sound decision for NZ’s economy and our health. This bill is a step in the right direction to protect the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders and meet our Paris obligations.
“It’s very clear that almost all the oil, gas and coal we already know about needs to stay in the ground - they can’t be burnt because of the implications for climate change and human health. This makes further exploration foolish,” said Dr Alex Macmillan, Co-convenor of OraTaiao: NZ Climate and Health Council after the introduction of the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill on Monday.
Read moreImprovements to the Emissions Trading Scheme
OraTaiao submission, 24 September 2018
'We support the government’s intention to act with urgency and improve the ETS. We are, however, concerned by the highly technical nature of the consultation documents. We consider that currently, input is severely constrained from those who will bear not only the impacts of climate change, but also the impacts of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. The ETS is complex, but because of the far-reaching implications for New Zealanders, it’s essential that every effort is madeto widen this discussion. We consider it essential that there is a clear statement of the principles upon which the ETS is based, and that this is developed with due democratic process.
'Our greatest concerns are firstly, that the ETS continues to fail to deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions because not all sectors are included, and/or because there is a weak pricingmechanism and/or there is no “sinking lid” on the number of units being auctioned. Secondly, weare concerned that the ETS will increase social and health inequities – this issue can be mitigated through good recycling of revenue to support a low-carbon transition for low-income, Māori andPacific households. Thirdly, we are concerned about corruption in the ETS process, through the purchasing of overseas credits.'
Read full submission here (PDF).
Government climate and health equity priorities must prompt a deeper re-think of health and healthcare for the 21st century
Editorial by Dr Alex Macmillan and Dr Rhys Jones. The New Zealand Medical Journal 31 August 2018, Vol 131 No 1481. Read here.
Pro-equity climate change and environmental sustainability action by district health boards in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Article by Dr Hayley Bennett and Dr Paula King. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 31 August 2018, Vol 131 Number 1481. Read here.
Economic consequences of climate change
Liz Springford letter. Discusses OECD report on the economic consequences of climate change. The Dominion Post, 31 July 2018.
Read here.
Interview in New Zealand Anaesthesia
Interview with Dr Rhys Jones and anaesthetist Dr Matthew Jenks. New Zealand Anaesthesia: The Magazine of the NZ Society of Anaesthetists, August 2018. Read here.
Health risks of “Hothouse Earth” a disaster
MEDIA RELEASE
9 August 2018
A report released this week on the dangers of heading towards “Hothouse Earth” makes it clear that climate change is now a public health emergency.
'Just as we would react to the threat of pandemic, we need to speed up our efforts to tackle emissions and protect health,' says Dr Rhys Jones, Co-convenor of OraTaio: The NZ Climate and Health Council.
The report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, states, 'the Earth System may be approaching a planetary threshold that could lock in a continuing, rapid pathway towards much hotter conditions — Hothouse Earth.'
Read moreZero Carbon Bill
OraTaiao submission, 19 July 2018
'We welcome the Bill, which is not just crucial to reducing New Zealand emissions, but is also some of the most important health legislation of our generation. OraTaiao, alongside other experts in climate change and health, considers that tackling climate change is potentially the greatest global health opportunity this century. With that in mind, our submission is focused on the potential health gains and the other co-benefits from New Zealand reducing its emissions.'
The submission also states: 'A healthy Zero Carbon Act is an essential prescription for New Zealand’s health and well-being, and we strongly support it. Health workers call for a Zero Carbon Act that’s fast, fair, firm andfounded on Te Tiriti – with health at its heart. In summary, we want the target of net zero emissions across all greenhouse gases by 2040 set in law now.'
Read full submission here (PDF).
NZ Herald: Doctors urged to back fresh effort on climate change
Dr Andrea Forde, Dr Scott Metcalfe, and policy analyst Liz Springford, set out the importance of tackling climate change.
Read here.
Safe practice in an environment of resource limitation
OraTaiao submission, 27 July 2018
OraTaiao: The NZ Climate and Health Council thanks the Medical Council of New Zealand for the opportunity to have input into the Draft revised statement on safe practice in an environment of resource limitation.
In summary, we consider the proposed revisions need to specifically address the sustainable use of resources in healthcare as part of professional medical practice.
Read full submission here (PDF).