Media release, 3 November 2014
Clear message from climate change experts – act now or face serious health consequences
The latest report from the world’s leading climate science body sends an unequivocal message to governments – urgent
action on climate change is required to avoid catastrophic outcomes for human health and wellbeing.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Synthesis Report for the Fifth Assessment was released in
Copenhagen, Denmark, on 2 November.
“The goal of the Synthesis Report is to weave together the first three Working Group Reports, to give an overall view of
the climate change situation and the implications for our future,” says Dr Rhys Jones, Co-convenor for OraTaiao: The NZ
Climate and Health Council.
“Our organisation is particularly concerned with the health impacts of climate change, and it is clear from this report
that countries at all levels of development face health risks.”
Health threats for New Zealanders include illness and injury associated with heat and extreme events, changing patterns
of infectious diseases, and health consequences from economic change and loss of livelihoods.
“Maori, Pacific people, children, the elderly, and low income groups will be the hardest hit,” says Dr Jones.
However, he said, well-planned action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could improve health and help New Zealand
tackle its costly burden of chronic disease.
“Rapid moves to much more walking, cycling and public transport; a transition to healthier plant based diets; and energy
efficient, warm homes will reduce heart disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory disease while also helping to cut
emissions.
“These ‘co-benefits’ of climate action will help to offset some of the costs associated with the transition to a low
carbon future.”
The Synthesis Report ends a five year process involving more than 2000 scientists, and is endorsed by the world’s
governments. It identifies that there are options available in every major sector to address climate change – with
phasing out of fossil fuel energy being particularly crucial.
“The release of this report clearly hands the baton to governments to act urgently on climate change. We look forward to
the New Zealand Government demonstrating strong commitment to climate action in the lead up to international climate
negotiations in Paris next year,” Dr Jones said.
ENDS