Climate-Driven Extreme Weather Events: Australian Nurses’ and Midwives’ Experiences

Author: Levett-Jones, T., Ward, A., Best, O., Bonnamy, J., Cornish, J. Correia Moll, E., Greenhill, J., Foster, A, Hastie, C., Pitkin, S., Roden, J. Tunks Leach, K. & Whiteing, N.

Organization: Planetary Health Collaborative

Year: 2024

Climate-Driven Extreme Weather Events: Australian Nurses’ and Midwives’ Experiences

This report from the Planetary Health Collaborative outlines a comprehensive framework for health system adaptation in the face of climate change. It identifies key action areas including governance, workforce capacity, infrastructure resilience, and integrated data systems. Emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration, it showcases case studies from healthcare facilities that have implemented sustainable practices—such as energy-efficient buildings, water conservation, and local food sourcing—to reduce environmental impact while improving patient outcomes. The report also stresses the need for equitable approaches, ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit from adaptive measures. Key recommendations include embedding climate considerations into existing health policy frameworks, investing in workforce training, and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Overall, the document serves as both a call to action and a practical toolkit for policymakers, health leaders, and community partners aiming to transform health systems toward planetary resilience and long-term sustainability.