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Understanding the link between climate change and injury

Climate change, such as extreme weather events, remains an emerging priority for injury prevention in Australia. Addressing the impact of extreme weather events can help reduce the burden of injury. Most weather-related injuries are due to extreme heat in Australia.

Extreme heat can occur in heatwaves, which the Australian Bureau of Meteorology describes as three or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures unusual for that location. Evidence regarding the impact of climate change on injury susceptibility is complex and evolving. Exposure to extreme heat over a long period can result in physical injuries ranging from heat stroke symptoms to death. A recent report released by the AIHW found that in Western Australia between 2019-20 and 2021-22, there were 267 hospitalisations from injuries directly related to extreme heat. 

Australia is considered the most fire-prone country in the world. High temperatures, low humidity, lack of recent rain and strong winds are all factors that can contribute to increased risk of bushfires. Western Australia is predicted to experience a 40% increase in very high fire danger days by 2050. The two most common injuries that result from bushfires are smoke inhalation and burns. In Australia, bushfire-related injury hospitalisations and deaths peaked in 2019-20 compared to 2018-19, a 15-fold increase. As Western Australia enters another hot summer, preparation is essential. Use the Department of Fire and Emergency Services My Bushire Plan preparedness tool to stay safe and reduce the risk of injuries.

While hotter temperatures can affect road surfaces and public transportation systems, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, poor weather conditions can increase accidents through reduced visibility, road friction and slippery road surfaces. Over the past decade in Australia, there were 348 hospitalisations and 77 deaths related to extreme rain or storms; injuries include drowning, falls and transport-related injuries. Additionally, heavy rainfall can cause long-term damage to transport infrastructure. Future urban transportation planning and infrastructure must consider the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on road networks. 

The newly released National Health and Climate Strategy sets out a whole-of-government plan for addressing the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change. This strategy acknowledges the impact of climate change on the risk of injury and commits to key actions over the next five years.

Understanding the patterns and characteristics of injuries resulting from extreme weather events is crucial for developing effective prevention and response strategies. A collaborative approach to implementing primary and secondary prevention activities that address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on injury is essential. For more information, visit the Know Injury Climate Change and Injury webpage.

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