Climate change is emerging as a major source of strain on healthcare systems, affecting everything from service delivery to workforce sustainability and community resilience. In response to this growing challenge, experts gathered at Macquarie University to explore how climate-related disasters are reshaping healthcare demands and outcomes.

The event brought together leading researchers and practitioners to share the latest evidence and real-world experiences from the frontline of climate-related health impacts.

Hosted by Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, the session featured keynote insights from Mr Greg Mullins AO, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and a Climate Councillor. Drawing on decades of emergency response experience, Mr Mullins provided a unique perspective on how increasingly frequent and severe climate events are placing pressure on health systems.

The seminar also highlighted research from the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), focusing on how climate disruptions are affecting healthcare operations and long-term system sustainability.

A panel of experts contributed diverse perspectives on the issue, including:

• Professor Paul Beggs, Director of the Lancet Countdown Oceania Regional Centre
• Professor Henry Cutler, Director of Macquarie University’s Centre for the Health Economy
• Dr Matt Knox, Deputy Director of Emergency and Clinical Lead for Sustainability at Wyong Hospital
• Professor Yvonne Zurynski, Professor of Health System Sustainability at AIHI
• Dr Hania Rahimi-Ardabili, Research Fellow at AIHI.

Together, the speakers examined the cascading effects of climate change on healthcare delivery, workforce capacity and planning, as well as the broader implications for health system resilience.

Watch the video recording of this seminar.

Learn about related research from the Observatory on the Future of Healthcare, including work on climate change and health system sustainability.