6. Question No. 6—HealthHon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Associate Minister of HealthQuestion No. 6—Health6. Hon MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) to the Associate Minister of Health: Does she stand by her statement the single biggest risk to public health now is our changing climate"; if so why?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Associate Minister of Health): Kia orana Mr Speaker. Yes in the context of which it was given: of global health risks and the need of the health system to be equipped to deal with emerging threats and play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet concluded "Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century." but also "Tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century." The sentiment about the biggest global health threat of the 21st century is echoed by the World Health Organization. The threats from climate change include the spread of disease like dengue fever increased pollution causing respiratory diseases and asthma food insecurity health-related deaths and illness and mental health impacts from drought. These echo what the Pentagon said which is it's a "threat multiplier" which could exacerbate many public health problems that already exist.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is she saying the 9500 New Zealanders who will succumb this year to our biggest killer cancer should be more concerned about climate change than getting access to world-class drugs and care?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: Not at all. Our Government has made a significant commitment to addressing the issues faced by New Zealanders who need treatment for cancer by extending access to radiation therapy. Of course we have to make up for nine years of underfunding from that previous Government. But this Government can walk and chew gum at the same time.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Should district health boards (DHBs) focus on providing plant-based protein alternatives to address the single biggest risk to public health as is recommended in the document she launched called Sustainability and the health sector ahead of say timely emergency department care?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: The Government is leaving it up to DHBs to make decisions about operational matters.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Does she believe that hospital patients should be encouraged to explore walking and cycling options to hospital ahead of say effective increase in immunisation rates?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: It is not the case that we have to choose between having sustainable transport options for staff working at hospitals and increased immunisation rates. In fact there are many opportunities to get better health outcomes and better environmental outcomes and save money. This Government is dealing with all of the serious risks to New Zealanders' health and the global risk of climate change which apparently the National Party no longer believes in taking action on.Hon Gerry Brownlee: Is that a reasonable comment?SPEAKER: Well the questioning line is actually—Hon Gerry Brownlee: Straight out of her report.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Is the reduced throughput in elective surgery part of a Government plan to reduce anaesthetic gases that are harmful to the environment?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: This Government has made in the last Budget the biggest increase in commitment to health funding—a record increase. Of course we have to take all of these considerations into account but ultimately it's up to DHBs to make operational decisions. This Government is committed to making up for the nine years of underfunding that has led to enormous pressure on our health system.Hon Michael Woodhouse: Shouldn't she be focused on the things that actually matter to New Zealanders like reversing the rapid decline in health services on this Government's watch rather than whether DHBs grow their own food?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I'm very proud of the progress this Government is making on addressing the many issues facing New Zealanders when it comes to health investing a record amount of capital expenditure in infrastructure that was long overdue. It is entirely possible—in fact very practical—to invest in energy efficiency in those buildings which means there'll be better health outcomes for New Zealanders and lower operational costs for DHBs. It's a shame that the National Party never took the opportunity of being empowered to invest in our health system."