On November 25, 2024, Healthy Futures, a prominent health and climate advocacy organization, released a report titled "Toxic air, urgent action: Unveiling a methane health crisis". The report highlights the significant health risks posed by climate change in Australia, specifically linking methane emissions to severe air pollution, known as ground ozone.
The findings indicate that methane, primarily emitted by the coal and gas industries, is a major contributor to health issues, including increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and food insecurity due to its detrimental effects on crops. The report emphasizes the urgent need for the Australian government to implement measures to reduce methane emissions.
Dr. John Van Der Kallen, a rheumatologist, noted that reducing methane emissions could lead to a rapid decrease in its atmospheric impact, potentially helping to keep global warming below the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set by the Paris Agreement. The report also discusses the mental health challenges exacerbated by climate change, including anxiety and ecological grief.
Dr. Kim Loo, a general practitioner in Western Sydney, stated that methane pollution is harmful and contributes to various health issues, including heat stress and infectious diseases. The report calls for immediate governmental action to mitigate methane emissions, particularly from fossil fuel operations.