by Dr Margaret Chan
Director-General of the World Health Organization

This was the 2007 David E. Barmes Global Health Lecture
Bethesda, Maryland, USA
10 December 2007

A look at reality of climate change

I will address the reality of climate change. I will base my remarks on conclusions set out in the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, issued last month.

I will consider what a vast body of evidence has to say about the health implications of specific climate-related changes projected in that report. I will interpret these implications in terms of the current drive to accelerate health development and, more specifically, our collective determination to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

The frustrations with George Bush's obstructionism on climate change have tended to dominate thinking in recent years. We have overlooked his main competitor, China. Perhaps the only positive news on this problem is that Mr Rudd speaks Mandarin and some news reports might indicate that his acceptance by Chinese leaders may facilitate dialogue.

China has huge environmental problems. China requested a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  The report says that  unless pollution is controlled by 2020, it will cause 600,000 premature deaths in urban areas and 20 million cases of respiratory illness a year. Most aquatic ecosystems are degraded and polluted and 300 million people drink contaminated drinking water each day, with 190 million contracting water-related illnesses every year and nearly 30,000 children dying each year from diarrhoea caused by polluted water. China's surging economic growth over the past 15 years, averaging 10.1 per cent a year, had severely damaged human health and depleted natural resources. China has environmental laws but the country has been unable to implement or enforce them properly.

The Good News

Dr Peter Tait
We congratulate DEA member Dr Peter Tait, who has been awarded The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) General Practitioner of the Year Award for 2007. The General Practitioner of the Year Award recognises an individual general practitioner’s understanding of, and commitment to general practice; their service to their community; and their involvement in ongoing training and continuing professional development. The full citation is at the College website www.racgp.org.au  “Peter has an active engagement with peace and climate change issues including as a member and office bearer with the Medical Association for the Prevention of War and as a key member of the Alice Springs Climate Change Action Group. He is a true leader in Australian general practice. Dr Tait works actively to improve the health of indigenous Australians and plays a critical role in working for health equity in some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities. His integrity and dedication is reflected in his efforts to speak three key local languages – Warlpiri, Arrnete and Pitjantjatjara – as well as in teaching others.”

The intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
It is significant that the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the IPCC and to Al Gore. It recognises the huge potential for conflict when global warming further reduces the diminishing supply of fresh water and food together with thousands of environmental refugees seeking refuge in other lands. It emphasis war and environmental destruction as the interlocking threats to humanity; the annual $843 billion expenditure on armaments, the green house emissions and land destruction and pollution they produce.  Many commentators therefore reflect their ignorance when they ask what has this award to Al Gore and to the IPCC got to do with peace.

Several members of DEA and the DEA Committees have been involved in IPCC work and we offer our congratulations to them on their contributions

This brings me to Al Gore. Whatever his decision on the next US presidential election, Gore represents the prototype of the required leadership if we are to survive the forthcoming crises.
 For those interested in US politics and the need for the US to accept world responsibilities there are two recent articles in the New York Times, worthy of your time

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/13/opinion/13sat1.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print

The banks of today are essentially printing money to create a financial system founded on debt. An individual borrowing money from a bank is not borrowing money from a depositor’s account. The money borrowed is new money created by the bank. When the borrower spends this money it is released into the community. This supply of money to the community and the resulting debt forms the basis of the financial system. Governments borrow from the private banking sector, not at the actual cost, but at many times the cost and with compound interest when none of this need occur.This puts the banks in a position of extreme power and explains how they can invest with impunity is developments such as dams ,armaments, pulp mills that carry many dangers for civilisation. The following article is about American banks, but its story is similar for all countries. it certainly applies to Australia

Cleaning up a dirty business: the successful campaign (2005-2007) to force the publisher of the Lancet to divest itself from the arms trade
 by Colin Butler, colin.butler@anu.edu.au

Introduction by David Shearman
"This article should be read in conjunction with the the letter  posted above
It is an inspiring story of decisions  forced upon the recalcitrants by  the activism of NGOs and  professional organisations. DEA is proud that its Committee members have been involved"

Reed Elsevier and its role in promoting sales of arms and torture equipment