Climate change is being described by the World Health Organization as one of the biggest health challenges of the 21st century. The changes to our climate can have adverse impacts on the conditions in which we learn, work and live.
In Victoria, it is expected to become warmer and drier, with more hot days, heatwaves and harsher fire weather as well as less rainfall overall but more intense downpours and flooding.
The change in weather events due to climate change can impact workplace and education settings by putting more stress on the physical and mental health, and safety of adults and children.
Outlined in the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2019-2023, tackling climate change and its impact on our health is a key focus. To bring positive change for the health of the community and the planet, the Achievement Program has launched a new Climate and Health initiative.
What is it?
The program's new initiative will empower Victorian early childhood services, schools and workplaces to strengthen the environmental sustainability activities already in place and take new climate actions that will also support health and wellbeing, which are to:
- increase active travel
- eat more plants
- reduce waste
- use less energy
- connect with nature
- get climate ready.
The six climate actions are woven into the Achievement Program’s Health Priority Areas such as healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health and wellbeing. And provided in separate Climate and Health resources including toolkits and factsheets, which explain the climate actions, show the impact on health and link to helpful tools, resources and supporting programs.
Workplaces and education settings can take climate actions at any time and progress at their own pace. The actions can be taken as part of a Health Priority Area or separately.
To get involved or learn more, visit: Climate and Health.