Naremburn Matters \ July 2024 Volume 22 No. 2 Page 7 The Health Impacts of Climate Change In Australia BY DR LALANA KAPUWATTE Climate change, explained as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, has become a global public health issue harmful to human health and wellbeing. Primarily due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions are generated trapping heat from the sun and raising temperatures. As a result, various detrimental environmental effects occur, inducing climate change impacts such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and infectious diseases. Australia is particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, being dry and having diverse climate conditions. Our health can be affected both directly and indirectly by the climate, so it is increasingly important to learn about and prepare for climate impacts. Direct impacts on health from extreme weather events such as heat-waves include heat-related morbidity and mortality. Events such as cyclones can cause fatalities and physical trauma as well as destruction of homes. Try to stay aware of extreme weather warnings, and consider how your home retains or loses heat to prepare for more extreme future temperatures. On hot days, try to keep cool and stay hydrated. The indirect impacts of climate change on health include temperature changes, altering the habits of disease vectors such as mosquitos and ticks, leading to the spread of diseases such as dengue fever. To protect against mosquitoes and reduce the risk of diseases they transmit, wear loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants, apply mosquito repellant and where possible, install screens on your windows and doors. Climate change can reduce water availability and quality, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections. It can cause air pollution leading to long-term lung damage such as emphysema, asthma and lung fibrosis. The stress and trauma associated with extreme weather events can lead to mental health issues such as distress, isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. If you think you or someone you know needs assistance to cope with these or any other symptoms, contact your GP or local mental health service. When weather conditions allow, consider active transport. Cycling or walking instead of driving, or combining these activities with public transport, will increase your daily physical activity. These activities help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles that contribute to climate change. Being physically active can lower your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or obesity. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables can reduce your risk of chronic disease, which, in turn, can increase your resilience to climate change. In December of 2023, The National Health and Climate Strategy was launched to address the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change and reduce the health system’s emissions, waste, and contribution to climate change. Alongside the Government’s work, primary healthcare adaptation strategies include public education and awareness of the impacts of climate change on health, early alert systems, disaster preparedness, heightened infectious disease control such as vaccine programs, vector control, and food safety. This will help the community to anticipate climate risks and work to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our health and well-being. By addressing these impacts and implementing proactive measures, our health and well-being can be protected to create a more sustainable future in the face of climate change. Source: Sonny Ross, The Guardian
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