Getting off the Gas: Advocating for Clean Air in a Changing Climate

At the Australian Public Health Conference 2025, held here in Wollongong, Healthy Cities Australia (HCA) shared how local action can influence national conversations on health and climate.

Dr Alexander Brown presented in the Population Health and Healthcare System stream with his session, Getting off the Gas: Advocating for Clean Air in a Changing Climate (18 September). The presentation highlighted the strong evidence linking gas appliances to indoor air pollution and the rising burden of childhood asthma, an issue too important for public health to ignore.

Building Partnerships for Healthier Homes

In 2024, HCA began a prevention partnership with Asthma Australia to tackle this challenge. By connecting the health impacts of gas use with broader concerns about climate change, the initiative has helped bring together health advocates, environmental NGOs, and local residents around a shared agenda: healthier homes and cleaner air.

Wollongong Leading the Way

Delegates heard how Wollongong’s northern suburbs have already become national leaders in the electrification movement. Community groups and individuals have been central in showing how all-electric homes not only reduce emissions but also lower living costs and improve health outcomes.

Prevention in Action

Dr Brown’s presentation reinforced the central theme of the conference: prevention requires looking beyond the healthcare system to the environments that shape our health. By focusing on indoor air quality and linking it to climate and cost-of-living outcomes, Healthy Cities Australia is demonstrating how preventative health can deliver immediate community benefits while supporting long-term climate goals.

For further information, please contact Dr Alexander Brown at alexander@healthycities.org.au.