Climate change to 'increase deaths'

UP to 15,000 Australians could die each year from heat stress, and dengue fever could spread as far south as Sydney by the end of the century unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut, a new report has warned.

The report, commissioned by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), urges immediate action by governments and individuals to counter the threat.

The two groups called for the greater use of renewable energy, mandatory biofuel blends, and an effective, national emissions control program.

AMA president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal said there must be a national response to climate change, and its effects on human health.

"Projected heat-related deaths to 2100 could be halved with strong policy action and, while the zone for potential dengue transmission is likely to move south to Rockhampton or Gympie, it would stay north of (the) more heavily populated south-east Queensland, coastal New South Wales and metropolitan Sydney,"