17 February 2025

As large swaths of Australia experience extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, floods and thunderstorms, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has reiterated its calls for all governments to transition away from fossil fuels and invest in climate-resilient health systems.

RACP President, Professor Jennifer Martin, said that without urgent and bold action, the health and well-being of Australians remains at risk from the impacts of extreme weather events.

"For three summers in a row now, Australians have experienced the detrimental impacts of extreme weather events.

"From heatwaves that increase the risk for hospitalisations to floods and cyclones that can cause serious injuries – extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on our communities.

"Without decisive and urgent action, the health and well-being of Australians remains at great risk from extreme weather events.

“We know climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and that climate change is driven by fossil fuels.

"The need for transitioning away from fossil fuels and investing in a climate-resilient healthcare system has never been greater," Professor Martin said.

In its pre-budget submission, the RACP has called on the Federal Government to fund a range of innovation and research activities for climate resilience [1] and has long advocated for transitioning to renewable energy sources across the economy [2].

“Extreme weather events disproportionality affect priority populations, who are more likely to have underlying health conditions.

"Hence, addressing climate change and building a more resilient healthcare system is also an equity issue.

"Every Australian deserves access to quality healthcare and a liveable climate future. The evidence is clear that continuing our dependence on fossil fuels puts both at risk.

“We need decisive government commitment to transition away from fossil fuels while simultaneously strengthening our healthcare system to handle escalating climate impacts," Professor Martin said.

[1] RACP – 2025 Pre-Budget Submission

[2] RACP – Climate Change and Health