Health and Climate Strategy calls for a climate-resilient aged care sector

Aged care, healthcare and climate sustainability are running on the same path now after the Government launched its first National Health and Climate Strategy. The document presents a unique approach to addressing the health and well-being impacts of climate change, aligning the care economy to the goal of environmental sustainability. 

The Strategy is the product of collaborative efforts from governments, health service providers, advocacy organisations and academics. Workshops were also held to specifically address topics related to aged care, disability and primary care. 

Speaking at the launch of the Strategy on Sunday, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearny, said it’s time to address the health risks associated with climate change while also addressing the role health systems play in producing carbon emissions.

“As we know, climate change has the potential to impact us all. And, to effectively address the impact of climate change, we need to work together,” Assistant Minister Kearney said.

“In acknowledgement of the role the health system must play in addressing the climate crisis, the National Strategy will guide the development of a plan to decarbonise the Australian health system. To do this, we will publish baseline emissions estimates for the health system, including aged care, with updates to track progress in reducing emissions.”

Assistant Minister Kearney also announced the development of a decarbonisation roadmap to provide more guidance on strategies and an emission reduction trajectory for healthcare and aged care settings.

Core objectives

There are four main objectives outlined in the Strategy that we can expect to hear more about over the next five years. Each one will influence different elements of the care economy with some more applicable to aged care than others.

1. Health system resilience: Build a climate-resilient health system and enhance its capacity to protect health and well-being from the impacts of climate change.

The focus at this level is to develop an adaptable health system that protects and promotes the health of individuals. This includes building a “climate-resilient aged care sector” that is adequately prepared to manage the increased frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters and extreme weather events, such as bushfires or flooding. 

“To protect clients’ health and wellbeing during climate-related extreme weather events, aged care providers must plan for and prepare to respond to these situations, while respecting the rights of older people and their choices,” the Strategy said.

• The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will include requirements for providers to prepare for and respond to emergencies, disasters and environmental risks.
• The incoming Residential Aged Care Accommodation Framework will also provide information on climate resilience to ensure providers have facilities that are environmentally sustainable and safe in extreme weather events. 

There will also be more support offered to the aged care workforce to develop their skills and capacity, raise awareness and understanding of climate change health impacts and provide stronger care in the face of climate events.

2. Health system decarbonisation: Build a sustainable, high quality, net zero health system. 

The decarbonisation of the Australian health system is a major priority for the Government and its decarbonisation roadmap will incorporate sustainability and climate resilient standards. Key strategies include:

• Establishing consistent reporting of health system greenhouse gas emissions, allowing tracking of progress over time
• Developing a health system emissions reduction trajectory,
• Reducing health system emissions by preventing ill health, and ensuring appropriate delivery of care and tackling unwarranted variations 

Reducing waste, increasing recycling and introducing a more sustainable supply chain are also likely to be promoted. Organisations such as BaptistCare have already adopted some of these initiatives, as highlighted recently by their renewable energy deal. 

3. International collaboration: Collaborate internationally to build sustainable, climate-resilient health systems and communities.

“As we all know, the effects of climate change are not bound to nation-state borders. It’s why a key part of the National Strategy is focused around identifying opportunities for knowledge sharing and the development of international standards,” explained Assistant Minister Kearney.

“For example, by collaborating with other jurisdictions to align procurement requirements and foot printing standards we can achieve more rapid change, while at the same time minimising the burden on manufacturers and suppliers.”

4. Health in all policies: Support healthy, climate-resilient and sustainable communities through whole-of-government action which recognises the relationship between health and climate outcomes.

The final objective has a clear focus on developing policies for specific issues, including heat and heatwaves, air quality, food and diet and communicable diseases. These policies will sit across all sectors, promoting the health co-benefits of emissions reductions.

More information on the National Health and Climate Strategy is available here.