BCHS-Health-Promotion-Strategic-Plan-2025-2029 - Flipbook - Page 13
Tackling climate change
& its impacts on health
Evidence and rationale
It is imperative that all actors in health systems, including policymakers and health workers,
collaborate with other sectors on addressing the determinants of health. Enabling access and
availability of services to underserved groups who often live in vulnerable settings and face
inequities that pose barriers to their ability to cope with the risks and impacts of a changing
climate (Xu et al., 2023). It has been demonstrated that climate health poses a heightened risk of
premature birth, respiratory disease, mortality and morbidity among children worldwide (Weeda
et al., 2024). Young people are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as many
do not have well-developed emotional regulation skills and coping mechanisms when faced with
stress induced by climate disasters (Wall & Eapen, 2025).
Climate change is having direct and indirect impacts on the community, especially vulnerable
groups. Older adults, children, people with a disability, and low SES individuals face a higher risk
of experiencing asthma, heat stress, cardiovascular disease, food insecurity, and mental distress
from extreme weather events. As a local community health service that is recognised and trusted
within the CoGB region, we have the opportunity to collaborate with other local organisations and
health services to address the social, political and cultural determinants of vulnerable
communities to help improve health equity.
Actions to tackle climate change
and its impacts on health
Goal: People living in the City of Greater Bendigo to experience the best health and wellbeing
possible
Objectives:
Accelerate action to support communities to adapt to climate change and its impacts on
health.
Share successes and promote good practice examples of climate action.
Programs:
Achievement Program (co-benefits)
Community Education
Tackling impact of climate change
(targeting the refugee community)
Settings
Primary and secondary schools,
Community organisations and
neighbourhood centres
Health providers and health
services
