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Kiwis need DHBs to reduce carbon footprint

Media release                                                                     23 November 2017

Kiwis need DHBs to reduce carbon footprint

NZNO president Grant Brookes, in support of the Sustainable Healthcare in Aotearoa NZ forum starting tomorrow, says that nurses are strongly behind the call to the newly elected government to assess and monitor DHBs’ steps to reduce their carbon footprint and address climate change.

We would like to see the necessary first steps happening, including a requirement for all District Health Boards to measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

“There are many compelling reasons for DHBs’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including cost savings, population health and health equity gains, healthcare quality improvement and reducing the health impacts of climate change globally.

“The connection between climate change and health is all-encompassing. It has been one of the top three priorities of the World Health Organisation for several years.

“Action on climate change almost invariably benefits health with lower carbon emissions improving air quality and reducing respiratory disease, energy efficient heating lowering energy bills which helps reduce poverty. Walking and cycling is pollution free and improves fitness, reduces risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes,” Grant Brookes said.

NZNO is a signatory to the NZ Climate and Health Council call for:

  1. The Ministry of Health to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for DHBs in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement.
  2. The Ministry of Health to mandate all DHBs to measure, manage, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the ISO 14064 standard.
  3. DHBs to report progress towards greenhouse gas emissions reduction to the Ministry of Health annually.

http://www.orataiao.org.nz/dhb_open_letter

NZNO Senior Policy Analyst Marilyn Head is attending the forum tomorrow at the School of Medicine Small Lecture Theatre, 23 Mein St, Newtown, Wellington.

Ends

Media Enquiries: Media adviser Karen Coltman 027 431 2617.

Direct Media Enquiries To:

Please send all media requests in writing to media@nzno.org.nz.

NZNO communications and media advisors are:

Rob Zorn
rob.zorn@nzno.org.nz
027 431 2617  |  04 494 8242

Samesh Mohanlall
samesh.mohanlall@nzno.org.nz
021 240 3420  |  04 494 6839

Support and member enquiries: 0800 28 38 48 or nurses@nzno.org.nz