Climate change is harming our health in Australia, and poses a
significant threat for the future. Our health, and the health of
our families and communities is the foundation for our way of
life, our society and our economy. Health is one of the top
priorities for Australians. Every year we collectively invest
more and more in our health, and in 2008-09 this reached $112.8
billion. Our health depends on the natural environment for our
basic requirements: safe water, clean air, sufficient food,
tolerable temperatures and protection from the elements. A
changing climate is already putting pressure on the natural,
economic and social systems that sustain good health. Climate
change will lead to more injuries, disease and deaths in decades
to come. Sustained action by Australia and other nations to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help prevent the worst
impacts.