The federal government of Australia has signed a statement of collaboration with the United Kingdom and United States which will see Australia take part in discussions around green procurement, with particular focus on encouraging suppliers to disclose carbon emissions and setting targets for emission reductions.
Australia reportedly estimates that its health system is responsible for approximately five percent of Australian carbon emissions, with the overseas importation of health technologies and medicines estimated to account for around 75 percent of the health sector footprint.
Assistant minister for health and aged care, Ged Kearney MP, comments: “From extreme heat to more frequent bushfires, climate change is forever changing our environment and how we live. Australia needs a health system that is prepared for these challenges.
“Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires everyone onboard; it requires international collaboration. Australia is stepping up and joining the UK and US in accelerating the decarbonisation of our health systems and supply chains.”
The NHS in England and the United States’ Department for Health and Human Services are taking the lead on the public statement initiative of collaboration, with other countries signing up to participate including Norway and Ireland.
From the US Department of Health and Human Services, director of the office of climate change and health equity John Balbus adds: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Australian Government. This type of cooperation is critical to accelerating our efforts to reduce the significant emissions associated with the health sector’s global supply chain.”
In other news from Australia, last month we reported how a $50 million grant from the Albanese government for the Australian Artificial Heart Frontiers Program is set to help to develop and commercialise its “Total Artificial Heart”, with hopes to harness technology to “halve deaths from heart failure” globally.
We also previously explored the Digital Health Blueprint 2023-2033 from The Department of Health and Aged Care in Australia, which includes a ten-year roadmap for digital health technologies and presents “a more personalised and connected health and wellbeing experience for all Australians”.
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