Chief Climate Commissioner well received at AMA National Conference
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that Chief Climate Commissioner, Professor Tim Flannery, delivered a strong evidence-based presentation on health and the environment at the AMA National Conference last weekend, which was well received by the audience.
Dr Hambleton said that Professor Flannery spoke authoritatively on the important topic of climate change and health, covering many issues that are endorsed by the AMA, the World Medical Association, the British Medical Association, the British Medical Journal, the Medical Journal of Australia, the UK Royal College of Physicians, and many other leading medical and health organisations in Australia and around the world.
“The AMA has a Position Statement on Climate Change and Health that reflects the position put by Professor Flannery to the AMA Conference,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Australia is getting hotter and the incidence of heat-related deaths and disease is increasing.
“We are experiencing more extreme and severe weather events, which have a significant impact on human health.
“As the climate changes, infectious diseases will rise and disease patterns will change. For example, dengue fever will occur more frequently further south than its traditional base in northern Australia.
“Climate change-related illness will affect the more vulnerable in the community, and this will have a major impact on health services, hospitals and medical practices.”
Dr Hambleton said that it is regrettable and irresponsible that some journalists and commentators have taken a small part of Professor Flannery’s presentation – part of an answer to a question at the end of his speech – to trivialise and ridicule the presentation.
“Professor Flannery used the example of tooth fillings to illustrate the long-lasting toxic effects of mercury when it is released into the atmosphere and the environment. The evidence is in. Mercury is harmful to the environment,” Dr Hambleton said.
“The comments were taken out of context, magnified, and used to attack Professor Flannery.
“Professor Flannery is a respected scientist in Australia and internationally. He was Australian of the Year in 2007 and was recently made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science for his work in ‘advancing public awareness and understanding of science’.
“The AMA was honoured to have Professor Flannery speak at our Conference.”
30 May 2012
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753