The science shows that climate change will affect the Earth - but it will also cause issues for our health.
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To mark Global Climate Change Week next week, University of Wollongong is holding a series of online workshops, lectures with key speakers and events around the theme of "Climate, Health, Action".
Read more: COVID regional travel bans extended
The program will focus on the impact that our changing climate has on human and environmental health, with the events exploring sustainable living solutions, from eating healthily to greening our health systems.
"We tend to think of climate change as just an environmental issue, which is understandable," said UOW academic Dr Belinda Gibbons.
"But the World Health Organisation has stated that climate change is the biggest threat to health in the 21st century.
"Climate change has driven an increase in the number and intensity of extreme weather events. In Australia, we see first-hand the direct impact of heat, fire and floods on our physical and mental health.
"Fires and smoke aggregate heart and lung conditions. Droughts curb our ability to sustain healthy crops and put food security at risk. And as the recent pandemic has shown, when our health is threatened, our usual ways of life come to a standstill.
"In a way, we need to start discussing climate as much as we are talking about COVID-19."
The UOW academic also shared her tips on making sustainability a part of our daily lives.
"Our actions can be small but powerful: walk or cycle instead of driving, eat local fruit and veggies, drink tap water, and reduce processed and packaged foods," she said.
Meanwhile, a Wollongong climate strike protest went ahead in the face of COVID restrictions.
The protest was part of a nationwide effort but couldn't be the mass gatherings of previous years.
"Due to COVID, we are asking you to organise small, physically-distanced gatherings with less than 20 of your friends, family, peers and coworkers," the organisers said on Facebook.
"Your actions can be at any time throughout the day, but make sure to bring your hand sanitiser, masks, placards and passion."
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