Climate change threatens the health of Australians: Doctors mark 25 years of advocacy

Doctors for the Environment Australia

Doctors for the Environment is available for interview on:

• Climate change is accelerating health impacts in Australia

• lessons from 25 years of advocacy

• priority actions for governments and the health sector

Doctors for the Environment Australia, the peak medical voice on climate and health, is marking its 25th anniversary this week, as doctors warn the health impacts of climate change are accelerating and placing growing pressure on patients, communities and the health system.

DEA will celebrate the milestone at a gala event in Sydney on Friday 24 April, bringing together leading clinicians, researchers and public health experts.

DEA Executive Director Dr Kate Wylie said the anniversary comes at a critical moment.

“Twenty-five years ago, the link between environmental damage and human health was often overlooked. Today, it is undeniable—and increasingly urgent,” Dr Wylie said.

“From bushfire smoke and extreme heat to worsening air pollution and biodiversity loss, doctors are seeing the health impacts of climate change in our clinics and hospitals every day. 

”Heat is already Australia’s deadliest natural hazard, and poses significant threats to community health with rising temperatures. New South Wales and Queensland have been found to have the highest death rates attributable to heatwaves.

“DEA’s message for climate action is more urgent now than ever before.”

The gala event will reflect on progress to date and outline priorities for the decade ahead, including:

• moving on from fossil fuels and accelerating renewable energy

• protecting clean air, water and nature

• reducing healthcare emissions and building climate-resilient health systems

• strengthening medical education on climate and health

Speakers at the anniversary event include Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd, The Australia Institute’s Co-CEO Leanne Minshull, and DEA’s Executive Director Dr Kate Wylie.

See a summary of key milestones and impacts HERE

Media contact:

Carmela Ferraro, 0410 703 074 [email protected]

Event details:

Friday 24 April 2026 at 7:00 pm

The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

–ENDS–

Doctors for the Environment Australia is the leading medical voice on health and climate.

We work with communities and health professionals to respond to the health effects of climate change through practical support, education, and by encouraging strong government action to reduce pollution.

We protect the health of families, workplaces, and communities — now and into the future.