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Governments at all levels are being warned to do more to plan for heatwaves amid new research revealing they’re responsible for more deaths and hospitalisations than any other natural hazard, including cyclones and floods.

The James Cook University (JCU) study found along with higher mortality rates, hospital admissions for cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, mental and behavioural conditions increased during heatwaves.

Pressure on emergency departments and ambulance services also intensified.

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Associate lecturer at JCU’s College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, Hannah Mason, said the impacts to health are growing as climate change leads to more hot spells.

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“Direct effects of heat, such as heat stroke, dehydration, organ failure, and cardiac arrest, can be exacerbated for people with pre-existing medical conditions," she said.

“The most common risk factor for heatwave presentations and mortality was being over 60-years-old followed by low socioeconomic status and being under 18-years-old.

“Health services are also directly affected by heatwaves through the effect on staff, power and water consumption and quality and other infrastructure and mechanical failures.”

The research is part of a wider study under a Queensland Government program aiming to improve understandings of the impacts of heatwaves on health and the strategies needed to reduce those impacts.

Report co-author Professor Richard Franklin said it’s clear mitigation strategies are required.

“With the likelihood of increasing heatwaves and their severity, early warning systems and preparedness programs, especially for health services, should be developed and evaluated to address areas where we anticipate more demand during heatwaves,” he said.

“Health planning is essential at the community, state, and federal levels to mitigate the impacts of these events on health and health service delivery, especially for vulnerable populations.”

HEALTH
CLIMATE

Main points

  • James Cook University research finds heatwaves are the most dangerous natural hazard for human health in Australia
  • They are responsible for more deaths and hospitalisations than any other natural disaster
  • Governments at all levels are being urged to plan for an increase in the number of heatwaves
Australia has experienced a consistent increase in amplitude, magnitude, frequency, and duration of heatwaves which have been attributed to the effects of climate change.
Hannah Mason
JCU’s College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences