NSW Health recognises we cannot continue to deliver high quality healthcare without responding to climate risk now.
Read more about our response
Climate change, due to rising global greenhouse gas emissions, is causing escalating risks to human health and health services. There are two types of climate risk:
Both types of climate risk are critically important for health systems.
Physical risk arises from the direct impacts of extreme weather events. Examples include damage or disruption to assets or infrastructure, supply chain impacts, or health impacts.
Physical risk requires adaptation to limit the impacts of extreme weather events and ensure the continuity of critical services.
The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has developed the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to ensure the impacts of physical risk are minimised across a range of areas, including health.
Transition risk or opportunity arises with the introduction of innovative technology, new policies and practices to meet decarbonisation targets.
At NSW Health, our people are implementing significant sustainable programs and initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint so we achieve our net zero targets.
