Journalists wanting to speak to an ACRRM spokesperson are invited to contact Petrina Smith on 0414 820 847 or email.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) acknowledges the substantive evidence that indicates the impacts of climate change are creating a global health emergency, particularly in rural and remote communities.

College President Dr Ewen McPhee says climate change is influencing the health and wellbeing of rural and remote communities, with important implications for rural and remote medical practice.

“The impacts of excessive heat, extreme changes in rain patterns, and more severe droughts, floods and bushfires are detrimental to the mental health, economic status and social determinants of health for our regional, rural and remote communities,” Dr McPhee says.

“There is evidence that extreme weather such as floods and cyclones can have implications for public health and hygiene, and loss of traditional fishing and hunting grounds are posing difficulties particularly for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

“Rural Generalists are not only committed to serving these communities but are also often impacted personally,” he adds.

The College acknowledges the World Health Organisation’s prediction that areas with weak health infrastructure - like developing countries and remote communities - will be least able to cope with the negative effects of climate change.

“We support the Doctors for Climate Action campaign which raises awareness of the impacts of climate change on human health and advocates for positive action including the development of a national climate change and health strategy,” Dr McPhee says

“It is important that rural research is undertaken on the health effects of climate changes.  “As a College, we are also reviewing our curriculum and training programs to reflect the related emerging priorities for Rural Generalist practice and are progressing towards reducing the College’s organisational carbon footprint.”

The ACRRM position statement on climate change is available here.

For interviews with ACRRM president Dr Ewen McPhee, contact Marketing and Brand Manager Petrina Smith at p.smith@acrrm.org.au, 0414820 847 or 1800 223 226.