Australia has witnessed a 37% increase in health-damaging heatwaves over the past two decades, positioning the nation as a global hotspot for climate change litigation, according to the latest MJA–Lancet Countdown report.
Key Points at a Glance
- Health-damaging heatwaves in Australia have surged by 37% over the past 20 years.
- Australia ranks second globally in climate change-related legal cases, with health cited in 11 cases between 2014 and 2023.
- A 17% decline in volunteer firefighter numbers over seven years raises concerns about bushfire response capabilities.
- Greenhouse gas emissions from Australia’s healthcare sector reached their highest levels since 2010 in 2021.
- Progress includes the Australian Government’s inaugural National Climate Risk Assessment, highlighting health and social support as priority risks.
Australia’s escalating exposure to extreme heat has not only intensified health risks but has also led to a surge in climate change-related litigation, underscoring the intricate link between environmental challenges and public health.
The recent Medical Journal of Australia–Lancet Countdown report reveals a 37% uptick in health-damaging heatwaves over the past two decades. This alarming trend has heightened health concerns and positioned Australia as the second-highest globally in climate change-related legal cases, with health issues raised in 11 cases between 2014 and 2023.
Professor Paul Beggs, Director of the Lancet Countdown Centre in Oceania at Macquarie University, emphasizes the significance of these findings: “The frequency of health-damaging heat has increased substantially since the 1970s.” This increase has profound implications for vulnerable populations, healthcare infrastructure, and emergency response systems.
A notable concern highlighted in the report is the 17% decline in volunteer firefighter numbers over seven years, potentially undermining Australia’s capacity to respond effectively to bushfires. Concurrently, the continued dominance of fossil fuels in the nation’s energy supply exacerbates climate risks, contributing to the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
The healthcare sector is not immune to these challenges. In 2021, greenhouse gas emissions from Australia’s healthcare sector rose to their highest levels since 2010, likely influenced by shifts in care patterns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge underscores the need for sustainable practices within healthcare delivery to mitigate environmental impacts.
Despite these challenges, there have been strides in addressing climate-related health risks. The Australian Government’s completion of the first National Climate Risk Assessment marks a pivotal step in understanding and prioritizing health and social support amidst climate challenges. Professor Hilary Bambrick from The Australian National University notes, “This past year Australia has taken a crucial step forward in understanding how risks are connected across sectors.”
The report also highlights advancements in renewable energy adoption, with renewables now accounting for nearly 40% of Australia’s electricity. Additionally, electric vehicle sales reached an all-time high in 2023, reflecting a societal shift towards more sustainable practices.
However, the path forward requires concerted efforts. The next five years are deemed pivotal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Scientific research on health and climate change in Australia has surged, with a 29% increase in publications from 2022 to 2023, indicating a growing commitment to understanding and addressing these intertwined challenges.
In conclusion, Australia’s experience underscores the complex interplay between climate change, public health, and legal frameworks. As the nation grapples with increasing heat exposure and its ramifications, a multifaceted approach encompassing policy reform, community engagement, and sustainable practices is essential to safeguard public health and build resilience against future climate challenges.
Source: Macquarie University
