The National Rural Health Alliance paper warned regional, rural and remote residents would suffer more from both the direct and indirect effects of climate change, calling on government to take action..

It's a position that's been backed by organisations such as the Rural Doctors Association of Victoria.

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Injury, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, as well as heat related illness, infectious disease outbreaks and detriment to mental health are likely to be the result of the effects of climate change, the paper warned.

It said rural communities were more vulnerable socially, while also at a higher risk of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and drought.

The NRHA called on government to act to reduce greenhouse emissions, plan a transition to a sustainable economy, prioritise research to help rural, regional and remote communities adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

It also recommended government address the implications of climate change in its plan for healthcare, while ensuring people already disadvantaged by limited access to healthcare, are not further disadvantaged.

Read more: Climate data lacking as Bendigo prepares for 'crucial decade'

RDAV president Rob Phair said a broad coalition of medical organisations were advocating for strong, immediate action on climate change.

"It's probably the single biggest issue looking forward, it's the single most critical issue we need to manage," Dr Phair said.

"Rural populations are particularly exposed and particularly at risk, because we've got fewer services, lower socio-economic populations .... and we're getting more exposed to some of the extreme features of climate change."

Dr Phair said rural and remote communities urgently needed a government plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, investment in renewable energy sources, as well as a carefully planned transition, and a plan around mitigating the health risks of climate change.

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