Implementation science for building climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems

The health impacts of climate change, and the imperatives for health systems to become more environmentally sustainable, are now well established. These imperatives for action are demonstrated in the health literature through research collaborations such as the Medical Journal of Australia–Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, and reflected in policy developments such as Australia’s National Heath and Climate Strategy. The challenge is to now implement actions in local, state and national health systems. This presentation will outline the current state of the scientific, policy and practice landscape on climate change and health, and present some practical actions and pathways for climate-responsive health systems.

Aditya (Adi) Vyas MBBS MPH FAFPHM FHEA GAICD is a public health physician and Staff Specialist in Quality & Safety at Western Sydney Local Health District. He also has an academic appointment as Associate Professor of Public Health focusing on research policy translation to address the health impacts of climate change and environmental sustainability of health systems. He has held senior leadership roles at the NSW Ministry of Health and is a consultant to the World Health Organization in the Pacific. Adi is a Fellow and Examiner of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.