January 31, 2018
Climate change strategy missing in action
The New Zealand Climate and Health Council, Te Ora Taio, is calling for a climate change action plan focusing on health and Maori well being.
Co-convenor Alex McMillan says while El Nina conditions are leading to a hotter than normal summer, the effects of climate change are also contributing to the higher temperatures and more extreme weather.
More severee heat poses danges for kuia and koroua, young children, people with existing medical conditions and outdoor workers.
She says it's a crucial issue for Maori at iwi, hapu and whanau level.
"Not just coastal sea level rise and erosion but high dominance of outdoor work among Maori, Maori prisoners and Maori who have existing health care problems all make climate change really important for Maori well being," Dr McMillan says.
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