A new report released by Doctors for the Environment Australia is advocating for urgent action to phase out fossil fuels, remove subsidies, and ban advertising for such products. The report emphasizes that fossil fuel pollution is causing more deaths globally than smoking, leading to increased rates of heart disease, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The group, which represents thousands of doctors and health professionals in Australia, launched the report titled "Fossil Fuels are a Health Hazard" in Canberra, highlighting the need to address the health impacts of fossil fuel consumption.
The report pointed out that most plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal, can leach harmful chemicals into human bodies and organs. It raised concerns about the detrimental effects of plastics on male infertility, premature birth, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers, urging for a ban on single-use and non-recyclable plastics as well. Kate Wylie, the executive director of Doctors for the Environment Australia, emphasized the critical role of health professionals in advocating for community health and addressing the health risks posed by fossil fuels, stating that smoke from fossil fuel burning is as hazardous as smoke from other sources like cigarettes and car exhaust.
Despite global efforts to reduce emissions and warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) about the dangers of new fossil fuel projects, the federal government in Australia has been expanding the oil and gas industry. The report highlighted that there were 124 new fossil fuel projects on the government's list as of last year, urging for immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and ban advertising and subsidies for these products. Researchers and scientists also warned that the current rate of burning fossil fuels underplays the risks associated with their impact on public health, with increasing evidence of their harmful effects on individuals and the environment.