News from the Secretary for December, 2007
Climate change in the Post-Howard era
Climate change is a health issue. Therefore DEA supported the ratification of Kyoto and with the change of government, this has now happened. However the task of mitigating climate change has only just begun, and overall the Bali outcome is disappointing. The meeting was intended to be no more than an attempt to agree on a timetable for future meetings and this was achieved but the disappointment was the revelation of continuing discord and indeed reluctance to act by some of the major powers. The fundamental problem is reflected in the blame game. One side says that the underdeveloped nations must accept mandatory reductions. China and others state that the responsibility for existing emissions that are warming the earth lies with the West. The fact is we are all in this together and one or more leaders is going to have to make the first big move.
At this moment European ports are blocked by conveys of container ships. They are waiting to unload the Christmas goodies from China. Some retailers are wringing their hands because of delay. Other retailers and the consumers rub their hands because they can get much more (mostly cheap rubbish) than they used to for the same outlay. Governments applaud because GDP rises. Consumers surely have as much responsibility for wrecking the world as producers. Western corporations have exported their production to China and none of this saga has been of the slightest worry to democratic governments. What is to be done? Well some rays of light are beginning to shine which focus on the crux of the problem. In letters to the editor of several newspapers, questions are asked as to whether growth is sustainable. Indeed it is being suggested that we require an engineered economic slowdown in the developed countries, and population stabilization and economic growth in developing countries financed by the developed countries. We have a new government in Australia and hopefully the debate can move forward.
World Health Day
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that it will focus its World Health Day theme for April 7, 2008 on ‘protecting health from climate change’. It says that treating the ill effects of climate change on human health is urgent, (see link on left side of web page). This topic happens to be DEA’s priority and the Management Committee will consider how we mark this day and use it to increase public awareness. Any thoughts and ideas from members will be welcomed.
The Biodiversity poster is now available
This poster is shown on www.dea.org.au and has now been distributed to all RACGP members. Members who are not RACGP members will soon be able to order posters via the web site see Menu at Posters. In the meantime please email me at mountlofty@ozemail.com.au
In deciding how many posters you want, consider community groups or other organisations with which you have contact.
The relationship of biodiversity to human health is difficult to convey but it is one that must be addressed to enable the public to understand their relationship to the planet and why ultimately their health and well-being depend on a healthy planet. We know that waiting times at doctors’ rooms may be considerable and messages in posters do get studied in detail.
There was a slight mismatch in size and packaging and there could have been some damage to posters received by RACGP members. Please let us know of the condition of your poster ( mountlofty@ozemail.com.au )
GM crops and Health
Recently there has been considerable comment about the decision to revoke the ban on GM crops in NSW and Victoria. We have had several requests to comment but have decided not to do so. We have felt that we do not have sufficient GM science experience to do this. We would be interested if there are any DEA members with scientific experience in the GM science who might be prepared to fulfil this role
The DEA Web Site
Please explore and use our web site www.dea.org.au When you explore the MENU you will find an excellent daily news feed on environmental health, interesting stories from Bike Doctor and the important Policy section. We are always keen to receive comment and feed back.
The ANZ Bank
The Wilderness Society has drawn attention to the proposed financing of the Gunns’ pulp mill by the ANZ Bank. The pulp mill will increase the clearance of native forest and is therefore a climate change issue. ANZ is also involved in financing forestry of the rainforests of PNG. What can you do? Many of our members will have accounts or other financial arrangements with ANZ. We have suggested that you write to your branch expressing concern and asking that your letter be sent to the chairperson. There was a good response to the GetUp petition that I sent to you all. Thank you. We will keep you informed
Australian Family Physician, December issue
For those of you who are not members of RACGP, we draw your attention to the December edition of Australian Family Physician which is on the theme GPs and the Environment with Grant Blashki and Tony McMichael as contributors.
http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200712/200712Blashki.pdf
http://www.racgp.org.au/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/AustralianFamilyPhys/2007issues/afp200712/200712editorial.pdf
Christmas greetings
Your Management Committee sends their good wishes for you and your family. We say thank you to all who have supported our efforts in time and money. Have a happy Christmas and look forward to the challenges of 2008.