Following Healthy Futures' successful work lobbying the Minister for Climate Change on the urgent need to regulate accurate measurement of methane emissions from coal and gas, we have now compiled Australia's first report on the health effects of methane pollution.
The report aims to support Healthy Futures' work on methane. We are currently focusing on three key areas:
- Corporate shareholder pressure on Australia's largest methane polluters through our supporter base's health superannuation investments
- The strengthening of Australia’s nationally determined contributions under the UN Convention on Climate Change, with targeted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
- Launching new initiatives in New South Wales to address methane emissions from the state’s major coal and gas operations
READ OUR REPORT HERE:
The report is a clarion call for addressing the health impacts of coal and gas methane emissions:
Because of methane’s role in causing and exacerbating climate change, the health benefits from reducing it in the atmosphere will save the planet and lives.
The health risks associated with climate change are not to be underestimated - they are wide-ranging and life-threatening. Climate health impacts are also simultaneously slow-emerging as well as rapidly unfolding and escalating. For example, increasingly frequent and extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts directly impact human health daily around the globe - causing deadly heatstroke, physical injuries, and the spread of illnesses. Rising temperatures also worsen air quality, with increased smog and allergens that trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. Climate change also affects health security by disrupting food production and distribution systems, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity. These factors combined create a significant burden on healthcare systems and threaten the well-being of populations around the globe.
Beyond the immediate climate impact, reducing methane emissions from coal and gas production is critical for protecting public health from air pollution. When catalysed with volatile organic compounds, methane leaks from these industries contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a toxic lung irritant linked to respiratory problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even heart disease. By advocating for a significant reduction in methane emissions, we are asking for meaningful climate action to ensure cleaner air and healthier communities.
Please also sign our methane petition to Prime Minister Albanese and the Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen.
Right now Australia has a critical opportunity to show real leadership in the fight against climate change. Take action and urge the Government to tackle toxic fossil methane emissions in our upcoming NDCs updates. Our NDCs are Australia’s Nationally Determined Contributions to international climate action commitments, namely our Paris-aligned commitment. This slated update is our chance to push for stronger action on methane.
It is now more than ever: The UN recently issued this stark warning that current global commitments to cut carbon emissions are falling drastically short. To avoid the worst of climate change and keep warming below the 1.5 degree threshold, we need meaningful action now. Reducing methane emissions, specifically from coal and gas in Australia, needs to be a top priority in the NDCs.
By signing our petition to the Minister for Climate Change, Chris Bowen, you can add your respected voice to the call for stronger action on methane emissions.