In November 2024, AHPA signed onto the Community Sector Statement on 2035 Climate Change Pollution Reduction Target, led by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).
The statement aligns with AHPA's Climate Change and Health Promotion Position Paper, and in particular AHPA's recommendation for a Commitment to a reduction in national greenhouse gas emissions of 75% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2035 for all sectors, including healthcare.
Australia has committed to the Paris Agreement goal to limit global warming to well below 2C and pursue limiting it to a rise of 1.5C. Scientists have warned that if we fail to limit warming to 1.5C there will be increased risks of abrupt irreversible change, and the number of people exposed to climate change impacts and poverty.
The Paris Agreement requires all countries to soon submit their emission reduction targets for 2035.
We call on the federal government to aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035 and implement fair, equitable and inclusive climate change policies.
Read more in AHPA's Climate Change and Health Promotion Position Paper, prepared by AHPA members Kate Lowsby and Gabriela Martinez, with input from Teresa Capetola.