title: The climate change challenge for general practice in New Zealand.
abstract: Climate change is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Despite some inherent uncertainties in making predictions about climate change, there is wide scientific consensus that global warming is occurring; that it is largely due to manmade greenhouse gas emissions; and that it will have substantial health implications for the future. The predicted health impacts of climate change are now clearer for New Zealand, and general practitioners can take action to mitigate these impacts and adapt to the future environment. Actions required involve a combination of 'top-down' and 'ground-up' approaches; effective leadership and policy from our health institutions and, importantly, individual practice initiatives that transform these goals into practical outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Gloucester Sports Clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand. rochelle.phipps@clear.net.nz
authors.forename: Rochelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Phipps
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Randerson
authors.forename: Grant
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Blashki
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000639:trends*; D058006:General Practice / Q000639:trends*; D017752:Greenhouse Effect / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D009520:New Zealand; D010819:Physician's Role; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*