Australian Medical Association declares climate change a health emergency

Exclusive: AMA points to 'clear scientific evidence indicating severe impacts for our patients and communities'

The Australian Medical Association has formally declared climate change a health emergency, pointing to "clear scientific evidence indicating severe impacts for our patients and communities now and into the future".

The AMA's landmark shift, delivered by a motion of the body's federal council, brings the organisation into line with forward-leaning positions taken by the American Medical Association, the British Medical Association and Doctors for the Environment Australia.