RACGP Urges Action on Climate and Health for World Environment Day
05 Jun 2026
On World Environment Day, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for stronger action on climate change, highlighting its growing impact on health and wellbeing across Australia.
The annual event, held on 5 June, focuses on the need to respond to environmental challenges and protect the health of future generations. The RACGP says climate change is one of the biggest health issues facing communities and is encouraging greater investment in renewable energy and sustainable healthcare.
Dr Nicole Sleeman, a GP based in Far North Queensland, said doctors are increasingly seeing the effects of climate change in their communities. She believes GPs can play an important role in raising awareness about the connection between a healthy environment and healthy people.
The RACGP has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 and has included climate and environmental health priorities in its Advocacy Plan 2026–30. The plan supports a stronger focus on health in government decision-making, full implementation of national climate and health strategies, and a transition away from new fossil fuel developments.
Dr Sleeman said local actions such as protecting trees, increasing green spaces, and improving urban canopy cover can help reduce heat, improve air quality, and support community wellbeing.
She also highlighted the importance of learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who have long recognised the connection between caring for Country and maintaining health.
The call for action comes as research shows many Australians understand climate change is occurring but may not fully recognise its effects on health. A survey of adults in Western Australia found that while many expect environmental conditions to worsen, nearly half had given little thought to how climate change could affect their own health.
Researchers say improving public understanding of climate-related health risks could help communities make informed decisions and better prepare for future challenges.
RACGP Urges Action on Climate and Health for World Environment Day
Source: newsGP