Australia’s first report on the health effects of methane pollution has been launched, with a clarion call for addressing the health impacts of coal and gas methane emissions.
The report, compiled by not-for-profit organisation Healthy Futures, highlights the role of methane in causing and exacerbating climate change.
Beyond the immediate climate impact, reducing methane emissions from coal and gas production is critical for protecting public health from air pollution. When catalysed with volatile organic compounds, methane leaks from these industries contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a toxic lung irritant linked to respiratory problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even heart disease.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) Branch Delegate, an RN and a (Pilliga) campaign organiser for the Maritime Union of Australia, Peggy Smith, was one of four speakers at the report’s launch, which convened health professionals, climate scientists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the critical need for urgent methane reduction.
“Climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s happening here and now, and it is making people sick. By advocating for a significant reduction in methane emissions, we are asking for meaningful climate action to ensure cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Ms Smith.
The ensuing discussion centred on the report’s findings and the necessary actions to safeguard public health and address climate change by curbing methane emissions.
Nurses and midwives are being encouraged to sign the methane petition to Prime Minister Albanese and the Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen asking for a methane mitigation target.
Healthy Futures advocates for corporate shareholder pressure on Australia’s largest methane polluters through its supporter base’s health superannuation investments.
In addition, the strengthening of Australia’s nationally determined contributions under the UN Convention on Climate Change, with targeted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“This marks the beginning of the next steps of our important work lobbying for the urgent reduction of methane emissions from coal and gas operations.”
The release of the report follows successful lobbying of the federal government on the urgent need to regulate accurate measurement of methane emissions from coal and gas.
Last week, the federal government released its response to the recommendations of the 2023 review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme conducted by the independent Climate Change Authority (CCA). This review had a particular focus on the integrity of methane measurement following a written request by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen last year.
Earlier this month, Minister Bowen announced that Australia had joined an international working group to measure and verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across international gas supply chains. The international working group on gas supply chain emissions brings together major gas producers as well as major importing countries such as Korea and Japan.
Toxic air, urgent action: Unveiling a methane health crisis available here
Sign the methane petition to Prime Minister Albanese and the Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen asking for a methane mitigation target here
