BENDIGO Health has backed the Australian Medical Association's stance on climate change, describing it as an issue that needs urgent action.
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The AMA earlier this month labelled climate change a "health emergency" that has "irrefutable" scientific evidence.
"Bendigo Health agrees with the AMA that climate change is a threat to our health and wellbeing," a Bendigo Health spokesperson said.
"The hospital notes this was highlighted as an issue for action in the State Government's public health and wellbeing plan.
"Environments where we live, work and grow are one of the determinants of health."
The AMA joined health organisations around the world like the American Medical Association and the British Medical Association to call for more action on climate change.
AMA president Tony Bartone said climate change would cause higher mortality and morbidity rates as a result of heat stress and increasingly severe weather events.
Mr Bartone said global warming would also cause food insecurity and a higher incidence of mental ill-health.
Victorian state government projections show the Loddon Mallee region will experience increasing temperatures, less rainfall in autumn, winter and spring, and longer fire seasons as a result of climate change.
The Loddon-Mallee's average temperatures could increase by up to 1.3 degrees by 2030. By 2070, mean temperatures could be 1.2 - 3.3 degrees warmer than those between 1986 and 2005, depending on future emissions.
The Bendigo Health spokesperson said the hospital had already implemented a range of measures to reduce its impact on the environment.
"The Bendigo Hospital won the Premiers Sustainability Award last year for its environmental credentials," the spokesperson said.
"They include using recycled water in the toilets, solar panels, a composter in the kitchen and rooftop gardens. This year we appointed a new waste officer to reduce our waste to landfill.
"We encourage everyone to do what they can to protect our environment."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
