RESOURCES
The internet is a wealth of information, misinformation, truth and lies. There is vast amounts of information on climate change of varying veracity. Below I have listed the websites that I have found to be the most useful and which provide accurate information. This list is by now means exhaustive but it is a good place to start.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science of climate change. Established in 1988 it has 195 member countries. It provides reports on various aspects of climate change science to inform climate policy, including the 1.5*C report, the summary of which is a must read.
The Emissions Gap Report 2019
Provided by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) this infographic is a simple clear explanation of what we need to do to limit to 1.5 degrees warming and how far we are away from that need.
NASA Global Climate Change
NASA’s Climate Change website is highly informative and provides robust scientific data, clear explanations and factual educational tools. My favourite is this video: Global Warming from 1880 to 2019, which is time series global heat map showing the changes over time.
The Lancet Planetary Health
This free online journal aims to “investigate and provide solutions to the political, economic, social, and environmental determinants of healthy human civilisations and the natural systems on which they depend”. Their annual Countdown reports detail the current effects of climate change on health.
Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA)
The DEA is a not-for-profit organisation of health practitioners focused on promoting good health through caring for the environment. Their factsheets are a great resource. Any doctor interested in the health effects of climate change should join.
The Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA)
CAHA is a registered charity whose main focus is addressing the health effects of climate change through political action. Their “Framework for a National Strategy on Climate, Health and Well-being for Australia” is a thorough considered document and would provide excellent solutions if adopted.
The Planetary Health Alliance
The Planetary Health Alliance is a consortium of health groups, universities, NGOs, researchers and government entities who seek to understand and address global environmental change and its health impacts. The way we humans live threatens the health of our planet and we cannot have healthy people without a health planet.
The Australia Institute (TAI)
TAI undertakes “original research that contributes to a more just, sustainable and peaceful society.” Their research informs the public debate and demonstrates that environmentally responsible and economically viable solutions are achievable outcomes.
The Climate Council
The Climate Council is an Australian independent body that provides public communication on the climate crisis. Comprised of climate scientists, health, renewable energy and policy experts, it was founded in 2013 as a community start-up organisation after the abolition of the Australian Climate Commission but the Abbott Government.
Market Forces
Market Forces believes that the banks, superannuation funds and governments that have custody of our money should use it to protect not damage our environment. This is the place to go for information on the green credentials of banks and financial institutions, divestment and the political influence of the fossil fuel companies.
