Doctors are calling on the Federal Government to speed up the shift to clean energy to help combat physical and mental health issues.
Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) released an open letter this morning, warning that dependence on global oil is driving up living costs and harming public health.
DEA Executive Director Kate Wylie said financial pressures, including from rising energy costs in the current fuel crisis, was contributing to sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
“As doctors we’re seeing these in our communities,” Dr Wylie said.
“Burning petrol is also harming our physical health, increasing the risk of heart and lung diseases, cancers and pregnancy problems.”
Dr Wylie said Australia had a clear alternative to polluting fuels.
“A shift to clean energy, powered by our abundant sun and wind, would reduce our reliance on polluting fuels, while more investment in electric transport infrastructure, would especially help rural communities where the reliance on cars is greatest,” she said.
“We can also embrace active transport like cycling and walking, which have no pollution and are good for our mental and physical health.”
Rural GP Sarah Koffmann, from Central West NSW, said a colleague who did outreach work spent several hours last weekend driving around looking for a petrol station that had fuel.
“That is the reality of rural healthcare delivery right now,” Dr Koffmann said.
“Rural communities are already stretched for healthcare options. When you can’t afford private fees or the petrol to drive over two hours to an appointment, the options don’t just shrink, they disappear.
“This is what oil price volatility looks like in a rural GP waiting room.
“Electrifying transport and investing in rural infrastructure would cut our exposure to global oil markets and keep people healthier. That is not aspirational. It’s a choice the government could make.”
Read the open letter here.
