The Royal Australian College of GPs congratulates Doctors for the Environment Australia on its 25th anniversary, recognising its leadership in advocating for a healthy environment as the foundation for a healthy population.
DEA has played a key role highlighting the health impacts of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, while championing evidence-based solutions to protect people and the planet.
DEA Executive Director Dr Kate Wylie said, "We are proud to have helped drive significant progress over the last 25 years – including embedding climate and health in medical curricula, multiple medical colleges declaring a climate health emergency, and the development of a National Health and Climate Strategy."
Dr Nicole Sleeman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Climate and Environmental Medicine, said DEA has delivered consistent impact.
"DEA demonstrates that our role as doctors extends beyond the consult room. In the face of escalating climate impacts, its advocacy is critical."
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the milestone highlights the importance of collaboration across healthcare.
"GPs see first-hand how environmental factors – from extreme heat and air pollution to changing patterns of infectious disease – affect patients and communities.
"Over many years, the RACGP and DEA have shared a commitment to elevating climate and environmental health as a priority for policymakers and the health sector."
The College supports this through advocacy on climate change as a public health issue, policy contributions, and supporting GPs to respond to environmental health risks. This includes the RACGP Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interests group, which advances education, advocacy and practical action in this space.
"As trusted health professionals, GPs have an important role to play in identifying, reducing and managing the health impacts of climate change. We also know that encouraging more care which focuses on keeping people well in the community is the best way to limit the impact of the health system on our planet," Dr Wright said.
"We look forward to continuing to work alongside DEA to support patients and communities, and to help ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all."
