The Achievement Program, Climate and Health pathway continued to gain traction this year with schools, early childhood settings, and workplaces all embracing the co-benefits of climate action and health.
Physical activity has been shown to protect against bowel cancer and some breast and endometrium cancers, yet 3.1 million Victorians are not sufficiently active putting them at greater risk of up to 13 cancers.
Bellarine Community Health recognised for its Climate and Health progress as part of the free Achievement Program
Actions within the Achievement Program are helping to address community concerns around climate change and its impact on health by encouraging simple changes to help improve both environmental and health outcomes. These include, increasing active travel and eating more plant-based fresh foods.
This year Bellarine Community Health (BCH) was recognised for its progress in Climate and Health Action. BCH CEO Garry Ellis explained the service has already seen the effect of climate change on their community, putting more stress on physical health, mental health, and safety.
“That’s why we are prioritising the need to adapt to climate change and take action to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.
BCH climate actions included conducting an energy audit, establishing an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group, and supporting local primary schools with active transport activities.
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