New Zealand medical students are opposing the potential use of coal in some healthcare facilities, according to an article on the Scoop website.
“A coal-burning boiler is like the hospital chain-smoking a giant cigarette. The Ministry must support hospitals as they kick this dangerous habit,” said George Laking, a cancer specialist and OraTaiao executive member.
As well as local harms, greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions from coal are heating up our planet, those opposed to the move say.
“Climate change impacts upon human health through increased heatwaves, extreme weather, floods, and threats to agricultural and geopolitical security,” said Carmen Chan from the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association.