Most people now know that climate change is a serious issue, and have some understanding of the effects that it will wreak. Few, however, are aware of the extraordinary impacts that climate change will have specifically on health.

Recently, The Lancet labelled climate change as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century. The World Health Organisation predicts that climate change is already responsible for over 150 000 deaths annually from climate-related natural disasters and conditions such as malaria, malnutrition and diarrhoea.

In July 2009, for the first time, the Australian Medical Student Association (AMSA) adopted formal policy on climate change. In doing so AMSA recognised the threat of climate change and the huge ramifications it holds for health. This policy calls on the Australian Government to take meaningful and decisive action on climate change, calls on the medical profession to adequately prepare for the health impacts of climate change, and encourages all medical students and practitioners to become well informed about the issue.

The Climate Code Green Advocacy Campaign hopes to demonstrate that climate change and health are inseparable, and that it is impossible to advocate for better health without simultaneously advocating for meaningful action on climate change.

For more information please go to www.amsa.org.au/climate

A new proposal to protect some of Tasmania's threatened wilderness areas by adding them to the Tasmanian World Heritage Area.