Most people now know that climate change is a serious issue, and have some understanding of the effects that it will wreak. Few, however, are aware of the extraordinary impacts that climate change will have specifically on health.

Recently, The Lancet labelled climate change as the "greatest global health threat of the 21st century". The World Health Organisation predicts that climate change is already responsible for over 150 000 deaths annually from climate-related natural disasters and conditions such as malaria, malnutrition and diarrhoea.

In July 2009, for the first time, the Australian Medical Student Association (AMSA) adopted formal policy on climate change. In doing so AMSA recognised the threat of climate change and the huge ramifications it holds for health. This policy calls on the Australian Government to take meaningful and decisive action on climate change, calls on the medical profession to adequately prepare for the health impacts of climate change, and encourages all medical students and practitioners to become well informed about the issue.

iDEA - the inaugural gathering of the student division of Doctors for the Environment Australia - will be held in Melbourne December 5-7 (info: http://www.dea.org.au/node/337), just before COP15.

Participants not only will learn a lot about the nexus between environment and health - they'll have a lot of fun.

* Green drinks at 'council house 2'

* Talks with a greens politician, Mike Sewell (Nossal Institute for Global Health, and Al Gore's 'The climate project'), Dr Merryn Redenbach on her experiences on the Sea Shepherd and Forbes McGain (Physician and involved with Green Hospitals project)

* Workshops with the 'Australian Youth Climate Coalition' and 'Beyond Zero Emissions' crew,

* Screening of a movie, and

* A direct action on the town to coincide with the start of COP15.

Early bird rego finishes this Friday. People can register please either send a cheque payment of $55 (sent to Treasurer, DEA, 6 Reginald Street Cottesloe 6011 WA) or make an electronic transfer to "Doctors for the Environment (Aust) Inc"

BSB: 105108 Account # : 025060640 (please follow it up with an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to alert us