27 November 2024: Climate, environment and health experts gathered in Canberra yesterday for the first day of the , with the ACT regional event focusing on the latest research and policy priorities for health, environmental and climate challenges, particularly the needs of vulnerable groups in Canberra and Australia.
Organised by the University of Canberra’s HEAL Global Research Centre, the central hub for the the three-day conference brings together national and international researchers, policy makers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and local communities for an all-in dialogue in response to current climate, environmental and health challenges and into the future. The 2024 conference theme is ‘Healing Country for a Sustainable Future for Everyone’.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA delivered the opening address for the ACT regional event, held at the National Museum of Australia.
Dr Ro McFarlane, Assistant Professor of Public Health and a member of the University’s HEAL Global Research Centre, moderated a discussion about the key climate, environment and health adaptation priorities and opportunities for action in the ACT and the key evidence gaps, barriers and enablers for effective adaptation for at-risk groups in region.
“One of the key drivers of this conference is making sure no one if left behind when it comes to addressing the health risks associated with climate change,” Dr McFarlane said.
“Vulnerable groups such as older individuals and low-income households are at greater risk of hardship during heatwaves for example, where they may be struggling with high energy costs, live in poor-quality housing, or have a chronic health condition.”
Taking into consideration the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) event, which sought global cooperation on a new finance goal to help adjust and prepare for the impacts of climate change and the effects on our health, the Conference will look at what these challenges and strategies mean for Australians.
The HEAL Network, with its eight Regional Hubs across Australia including the ACT, is harnessing research to develop local community resilience and health adaptation plans and other implementation tools that can be actioned by local governments and the community.
“Our network is addressing the challenges through our innovative research to support Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, and helping to implement new practices such as more sustainable healthcare and climate-resilient communities,” said Professor Sotiris Vardoulakis, Director of the HEAL Global Research Centre and Co-chair of the Conference.
“Our aim is to achieve better outcomes for human health, community resilience, and the environment, along with our core commitment to supporting and elevating Australian First Nations leadership and knowledges of Healing with Country.”
The ACT Regional Hub Conference Session is part of the national HEAL 2024 Conference, which includes a national event held online over 27-28 November, with opening addresses from the Hon Ged Kearney, Federal Assistant Minister for the Department of Health and Aged Care and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM, Chancellor of the University of Canberra.