Climate change is squaring up as a big election issue in 2019, with Morrison, Shorten and Di Natale all spruiking their respective climate and environment policies. However, it can be a complex and confusing topic – so let’s break down why everyone is calling this election “the climate election”.

In 2016, Australia committed to the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to cap global temperature rises to well below 2°C. Currently, global temperatures have already risen by 1.3°C above pre-industrial levels, and the UN warns that we are on track to break 3°C of warming by 2100. Unfortunately, Australia is the highest per-person carbon polluter of all the developed countries.

The effects of climate change extend well beyond sweatier summers. Australia can expect longer and more severe droughts, longer fire seasons and cyclones of greater intensity. It means more severe, frequent and unpredictable natural disasters, reduced biodiversity, poorer farming conditions, and a challenging economy. These impacts don’t affect all Australians equally – they have a disproportionate impact on rural/remote populations and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, increasing health inequity.

Health professionals and Australian medical students see effective climate change action as the greatest public health opportunity of the 21st century. Mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change will have widespread benefits and will foster a healthier population.

That’s where this election comes in.

Recent elections, including the Victorian state election and the Wentworth by-election, have shown climate change becoming more and more of a key issue for Australians. This federal election had been dubbed “the climate election”, and for good reason.

AMSA Code Green is calling for the future government of Australia to meet its minimum greenhouse gas commitment by 2030, while considering advice from international experts to fulfil its global commitment to keep global warming to less than 2°C. That means stopping new fossil fuel projects, investing in renewable technologies, and working on sustainable projects such as bike paths and improved public transport.

Clear, consistent leadership is crucial to achieving our 2°C goal, and if we #VoteGlobalHealth this election, we can get there.

BY AMSA Code Green 2019
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