The Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2019-2023 is prioritising action to tackle climate change and its impact on our health, an issue recognised by the World Health Organization as a leading threat to health.
Climate change is an urgent challenge that has implications at the global, national and community levels. The Victorian Government recognises this challenge and is committed to taking action on climate change to protect the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
Tackling climate change and its impact on health is a priority of the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2019-2023, and is one of the four focus areas of the plan for the next four years. This focus aims to increase action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and realise associated health co-benefits, and to drive action to promote resilient and safe communities that are adapting to the public health impacts of climate change. Supporting guidance is available for early childhood settings and schools, local government, health and human services, and workplaces. A new Climate change and health webpage is also available on the Better Health Channel that includes information and animated videos on;
- climate change and health
- extreme weather events
- staying healthy in a changing climate, and
- actions which we can all take to reduce our impact while also improving our health (i.e. the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation).
Taking action against climate change is not only good for the environment, but also improves physical and mental health. For actions and programs you can take on climate change and its impact on health read the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023, and access the Climate change and health resources on the Better Health Channel.
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