AMA (NSW) supports drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

AMA (NSW) welcomes the NSW Government’s proposal of an electric vehicle strategy for NSW.    

“Given the significant link between carbon emissions and adverse health impacts, we are supportive of strategies that seek to mitigate the effects of climate change,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen.    

“Emissions from motor vehicles are common sources of air pollution. Efforts to reduce our reliance on conventional vehicles could have big benefits for both the health of the planet and for humans.     

“We need to take decisive action to improve air quality. There is both a human and economic cost to doing nothing.    

According to 2016 figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 3000?deaths are attributable to urban air pollution in Australia each year. The associated health costs are estimated to be between $11-24bn per year.    

“Electric vehicles are one piece of the puzzle. We also need to look at electricity produced from fossil fuels. Reducing reliance on coal-intensive electricity generation will increase benefits of electric vehicles.    

“Ultimately, we need a broad suite of mitigation strategies if we are to address climate change, but this is a step in the right direction,” said Dr McMullen.    

Media contact: Andrea Cornish – 0419 402 955