Everyone is likely to be impacted by climate change in some way, but some people will be more at risk. Climate change can affect the health of people in different ways depending on where they live, the work they do, their age, existing health conditions and social and economic situation.
People who are socially and financially disadvantaged may not have access to shelter or well-built and insulated housing to protect them from extreme weather. They may not be able to afford air-conditioning during hot days.
Bushfires and floods may cause property damage and loss that are difficult to recover from without financial and social support and resources.
If extreme weather disrupts food supplies, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables may become unaffordable for people who are financially disadvantaged.
Older people are more at risk of heat-related illness because the ability of the body to regulate body temperature declines with age. They are more likely to have chronic disease or take medications that increase the impacts of heat. Being less mobile, drinking less fluids and living alone can also increase heat-related health risks. Older people are also more vulnerable to injury and other health effects during storms, floods and other extreme weather events.
Babies and young children are sensitive to hot weather because they are less able to cool down. Their developing lungs and higher breathing rate also make them more sensitive to poor air quality from bushfire smoke and dust storms.
Children are more exposed to the weather because they tend to spend more time playing and exercising outdoors. They also depend on the care of adults to reduce their vulnerability to weather extremes.
Some people with chronic health conditions such as heart, lung and kidney disease are more at risk of the health effects of heat, bushfire smoke and dust storms.
Extreme weather events may be especially impactful for people with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
When extreme weather events impact public transport and healthcare infrastructure, people with chronic health conditions, especially those with restricted mobility, may be least able to access healthcare services, medicines and social support.
Aboriginal people can be especially vulnerable to the health effects of climate change due to their close cultural and spiritual association with land, water, plants, and animals.
The degradation of the natural environment from climate change may prevent Aboriginal people from undertaking cultural practices. This may worsen the trauma of being dislocated from home and community by extreme weather events.
Aboriginal people are disproportionately represented in socio-economically disadvantaged communities that can increase their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Ecological knowledge, connection to the land and resilience may enhance the capacity of Aboriginal people to adapt to climate change.
Rural communities are highly dependent on the environment for their daily living and income. Drought, bushfires and floods may impact agricultural production and affect not only the people who make a living from this production, but also the community that services the needs of farm workers and their families. Loss of income and identity can also have a negative effect on mental health and wellbeing.
People in towns and cities are at increased risk of heat-related illness during heatwaves because footpaths, buildings and other heat-absorbing surfaces increase the temperature to form urban heat islands.
Extreme weather may also impact food supply and distribution, as food available in many cities is transported from regional areas.
Climate change also threatens coastal communities which are at increased risk of rising sea levels and storm surges.
People working or exercising outdoors are at increased risk of the health effects of climate change. Even young and healthy workers can experience severe heat illness during heatwaves.
Climate change can affect health and wellbeing in many ways. For example, exposure to higher temperatures can cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion. More frequent floods and bushfires may cause more injury and death. However, climate change may also affect health and wellbeing in less direct ways.
Climate change and health
Adapting now and preparing for climate change can help to protect health. There are actions you can take to adapt and protect yourself from the health impacts of climate change.
Climate change and protecting your health
There are many things that we can do to help prepare ourselves and our families, friends and neighbours for emergencies. The better prepared we are, the more able we are to manage the personal aspects of a disaster and the faster we will be able to recover.
Plan and prepare for an emergency
