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Beggs PJ, Trueck S, Linnenluecke MK, Bambrick H, Capon AG, Hanigan IC, Arriagada NB, Cross TJ, Friel S, Green D, Heenan M, Jay O, Kennard H, Malik A, McMichael C, Stevenson M, Vardoulakis S, Dang TN, Garvey G, Lovett R, Matthews V, Phung D, Woodward AJ, Romanello MB, Zhang Y. The 2023 report of the MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: sustainability needed in Australia's health care sector. Med J Aust 2024; 220:282-303. [PMID: 38522009 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change in Australia was established in 2017 and produced its first national assessment in 2018 and annual updates in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. It examines five broad domains: health hazards, exposures and impacts; adaptation, planning and resilience for health; mitigation actions and health co-benefits; economics and finance; and public and political engagement. In this, the sixth report of the MJA-Lancet Countdown, we track progress on an extensive suite of indicators across these five domains, accessing and presenting the latest data and further refining and developing our analyses. Our results highlight the health and economic costs of inaction on health and climate change. A series of major flood events across the four eastern states of Australia in 2022 was the main contributor to insured losses from climate-related catastrophes of $7.168 billion - the highest amount on record. The floods also directly caused 23 deaths and resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. High red meat and processed meat consumption and insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables accounted for about half of the 87 166 diet-related deaths in Australia in 2021. Correction of this imbalance would both save lives and reduce the heavy carbon footprint associated with meat production. We find signs of progress on health and climate change. Importantly, the Australian Government released Australia's first National Health and Climate Strategy, and the Government of Western Australia is preparing a Health Sector Adaptation Plan. We also find increasing action on, and engagement with, health and climate change at a community level, with the number of electric vehicle sales almost doubling in 2022 compared with 2021, and with a 65% increase in coverage of health and climate change in the media in 2022 compared with 2021. Overall, the urgency of substantial enhancements in Australia's mitigation and adaptation responses to the enormous health and climate change challenge cannot be overstated. Australia's energy system, and its health care sector, currently emit an unreasonable and unjust proportion of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As the Lancet Countdown enters its second and most critical phase in the leadup to 2030, the depth and breadth of our assessment of health and climate change will be augmented to increasingly examine Australia in its regional context, and to better measure and track key issues in Australia such as mental health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hilary Bambrick
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Anthony G Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | | | | | - Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre and ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, UNSW, Sydney, NSW
| | - Maddie Heenan
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW
| | - Ollie Jay
- Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Harry Kennard
- Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Mark Stevenson
- Transport, Health and Urban Design (THUD) Research Lab, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Tran N Dang
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Raymond Lovett
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
- Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Canberra, ACT
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
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2
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Walter TG, Bricknell LK, Preston RG, Crawford EGC. Climate Change Adaptation Methods for Public Health Prevention in Australia: an Integrative Review. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:71-87. [PMID: 38221599 PMCID: PMC10907446 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Climate change poses a serious threat to human health and well-being. Australia is not immune to the public health impacts and continues to be underprepared, putting the population health at risk. However, there is a dearth in knowledge about how the Australian public health system will address the impacts of climate change. RECENT FINDINGS This integrative review synthesises tools, frameworks, and guidance material suitable for climate change adaptation from a preventive public health perspective. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 4507 articles identified, 19 articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on operational methods in public health and excluded the clinical context and reactive disaster response approaches. This review revealed that Australia is ill-prepared to manage climate change adverse health impacts due to ineffective adaptation strategies. The review highlights that Australia urgently requires effective adaptation strategies such as undertaking a National Adaptation Plan process and an improved understanding in managing complex health risks. Taking this action will strengthen the public health system and build health resilience especially for vulnerable populations. These findings will help understand and develop of the necessary adaptive strategies in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony G Walter
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, 4701, Australia.
| | - Lisa K Bricknell
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, 4701, Australia
| | - Robyn G Preston
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 538 Flinders Street, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Elise G C Crawford
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 554-700 Yaamba Road, Norman Gardens, 4701, Australia
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3
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Cheng XF, Min SH, Guo RQ, Zhang JD, Zhang YL, Li B. Disease burden of COPD attributable to PM 2.5 in China, Japan and South Korea from 1990 to 2019: a comparative study based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078887. [PMID: 38355185 PMCID: PMC10868288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We hope to reveal the changing trends of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden attributable to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) and its age, period and cohort effects in China, Japan and Korea. DESIGN We analysed the trend of COPD disease burden attributable to PM2.5 from 1990 to 2019 based on the latest Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD 2019) using JoinPoint model and analysed the effect of age, period and cohort on COPD burden attributable to PM2.5 in China, Japan and Korea from 1990 to 2019 using age-period-cohort model (model). SETTING GBD data from 1990 to 2019. PARTICIPANTS Data were publicly available and individuals were not involved. MAIN OUTCOMES Outcomes included the age standardised mortality rate (ASMR), the age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY), average annual per cent change (AAPC), net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves, period (cohort) rate ratios, age (period, cohort) bias coefficient. RESULTS From 1990 to 2019, the ASMR of COPD attributable to PM2.5 in China (AAPC=-5.862), Japan (AAPC=-1.715) and Korea (AAPC=-1.831) showed a downward trend. The age-standardised DALY of COPD attributable to PM2.5 in China (AAPC=-5.821), Japan (AAPC=-1.39) and Korea (AAPC=-1.239) showed a downward trend. Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5 increased slowly with age in Korea and Japan. Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5 in China decreased after rising (95% CI: 404.66 to 466.01). Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5 decreased over time in China and Korea, while it increased in Japan from 2015 to 2019. In China and Japan, mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5 was approximately lower the later the birth, while in Korea it decreased after an increase (95% CI: 2.13 to 2.40) in the 1900-1910. CONCLUSIONS Most COPD burden attributable to PM2.5 is on the decline; COPD mortality attributable to PM2.5 both increased with age and decreased with time and cohort. Countries with high burden should develop targeted measures to control PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shu-Hui Min
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Qi Guo
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yi-Li Zhang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Li
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Lee GW, Vine K, Atkinson AR, Tong M, Longman J, Barratt A, Bailie R, Vardoulakis S, Matthews V, Rahman KM. Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6285. [PMID: 37444133 PMCID: PMC10341403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is exposing populations to increasing temperatures and extreme weather events in many parts of Australia. To prepare for climate challenges, there is a growing need for Local Health Districts (LHDs) to identify potential health impacts in their region and strengthen the capacity of the health system to respond accordingly. This rapid review summarised existing evidence and research gaps on the impact of climate change on health and health services in Northern New South Wales (NSW)-a 'hotspot' for climate disaster declarations. We systematically searched online databases and selected 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012-2022 for the Northern NSW region. The most explored health outcome was mental health in the aftermath of floods and droughts, followed by increased healthcare utilisation due to respiratory, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes associated with bushfire smoke or heat waves. Future research directions were recommended to understand: the compounding impacts of extreme events on health and the health system, local data needs that can better inform models that predict future health risks and healthcare utilisation for the region, and the needs of vulnerable populations that require a whole-of-system response during the different phases of disasters. In conclusion, the review provided climate change and health research directions the LHD may undertake to inform future adaptation and mitigation policies and strategies relevant to their region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace W. Lee
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Kristina Vine
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
| | - Amba-Rose Atkinson
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Michael Tong
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
- College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jo Longman
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
- Sydney Environment Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Barratt
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
| | - Ross Bailie
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
- College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (M.T.); (R.B.); (S.V.)
| | - Kazi Mizanur Rahman
- University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia; (G.W.L.); (K.V.); (A.-R.A.); (J.L.); (V.M.)
- Sydney Environment Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Heenan M, Rychetnik L, Howse E, Beggs PJ, Weeramanthri TS, Armstrong F, Zhang Y. Australia's political engagement on health and climate change: the MJA-Lancet Countdown indicator and implications for the future. Med J Aust 2023; 218:196-202. [PMID: 36871205 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maddie Heenan
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Elly Howse
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
| | | | - Tarun S Weeramanthri
- Public Health Association of Australia, Canberra, ACT
- University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
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Raza S, Ghasali E, Raza M, Chen C, Li B, Orooji Y, Lin H, Karaman C, Karimi Maleh H, Erk N. Advances in technology and utilization of natural resources for achieving carbon neutrality and a sustainable solution to neutral environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115135. [PMID: 36566962 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The greatest environmental issue of the twenty-first century is climate change. Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are increasing the frequency of extreme weather. Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for 80% of human greenhouse gas emissions. However, CO2 emissions and global temperature have risen steadily from pre-industrial times. Emissions data are crucial for most carbon emission policymaking and goal-setting. Sustainable and carbon-neutral sources must be used to create green energy and fossil-based alternatives to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Near-real-time monitoring of carbon emissions is a critical national concern and cutting-edge science. This review article provides an overview of the many carbon accounting systems that are now in use and are based on an annual time frame. The primary emphasis of the study is on the recently created carbon emission and eliminating sources and technology, as well as the current application trends for carbon neutrality. We also propose a framework for the most advanced naturally available carbon neutral accounting sources capable of being implemented on a large scale. Forming relevant data and procedures will help the "carbon neutrality" plan decision-making process. The formation of pertinent data and methodologies will give robust database support to the decision-making process for the "carbon neutrality" plan for the globe. In conclusion, this article offers some opinions, opportunities, challenges and future perspectives related to carbon neutrality and carbon emission monitoring and eliminating resources and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleem Raza
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, Zhejiang, PR China; College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Ehsan Ghasali
- College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, Zhejiang, PR China; College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Muslim Raza
- Department of Chemistry Bacha Khan University, Charsada, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Cheng Chen
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Bisheng Li
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Yasin Orooji
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China; Research & Development Department, Shandong Advanced Materials Industry Association, Jinan 250200, Shandong, China.
| | - Hongjun Lin
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Ceren Karaman
- Department of Electricity and Energy, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, AkdenizUniversity, Antalya, 07070, Turkey; School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
| | - Hassan Karimi Maleh
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731, Xiyuan Ave, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, 9477177870, Iran; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India.
| | - Nevin Erk
- Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, 06560, Ankara, Turkey
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Beggs PJ, Zhang Y, McGushin A, Trueck S, Linnenluecke MK, Bambrick H, Capon AG, Vardoulakis S, Green D, Malik A, Jay O, Heenan M, Hanigan IC, Friel S, Stevenson M, Johnston FH, McMichael C, Charlson F, Woodward AJ, Romanello MB. The 2022 report of the
MJA
–
Lancet
Countdown on health and climate change: Australia unprepared and paying the price. Med J Aust 2022; 217:439-458. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hilary Bambrick
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Australian National University Canberra ACT
| | - Anthony G Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute Monash University Melbourne VIC
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health Australian National University Canberra ACT
| | - Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre and ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, UNSW Sydney NSW
| | | | | | - Maddie Heenan
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre Sax Institute Sydney NSW
| | | | | | - Mark Stevenson
- Transport, Health and Urban Design (THUD) Research Lab University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Hobart TAS
| | | | - Fiona Charlson
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research University of Queensland Brisbane QLD
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Patrick R, Snell T, Gunasiri H, Garad R, Meadows G, Enticott J. Prevalence and determinants of mental health related to climate change in Australia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 57:710-724. [PMID: 35785997 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The climate emergency will likely prove this century's greatest threat to public health within which mental health effects need consideration. While studies consistently show the majority of Australians are very concerned about the impacts of climate change, there is limited evidence from nation-wide research linking climate change with mental health burden in sub-populations. This study aimed to understand the impact of climate change on mental health in the Australian population and identify populations who are most at risk of climate-related mental health burden. METHODS A nation-wide Australian survey conducted between August and November 2020 of adults was approximately representative across sex, age, location, state and area disadvantage. Two-stage recruitment involved unrestricted self-selected community sample through mainstream and social media (N = 4428) and purposeful sampling using an online panel (N = 1055). RESULTS Most Australians report having a direct experience of a climate change-related event. Young people are experiencing significant rates of eco-anxiety. One in four people with direct experience of a climate change-related event met post-traumatic stress disorder screening criteria. People who have not had a direct experience are showing symptoms of pre-trauma, particularly in younger age groups and women. There were 9.37% (503/5370) of respondents with responses indicating significant eco-anxiety, 15.68% (370/2359) with pre-traumatic stress and 25.60% (727/2840) with post-traumatic stress disorder. Multivariable regressions confirmed that younger people are more affected by eco-anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (pre- or post-trauma); women are more affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (pre- or post-trauma) and those from more disadvantaged regions are more affected by eco-anxiety. CONCLUSION Australia is facing a potential mental health crisis. Individuals with and without direct experience of climate change are reporting significant mental health impacts, with younger age groups being disproportionately affected. There are key roles for clinicians and other health professionals in responding to and preventing climate-related mental health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Patrick
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Tristan Snell
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Hasini Gunasiri
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhonda Garad
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Graham Meadows
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanne Enticott
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Diversifying Indigenous Vulnerability and Adaptation: An Intersectional Reading of Māori Women’s Experiences of Health, Wellbeing, and Climate Change. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite evidence that Indigenous peoples’ multiple subjectivities engender diverse lived experiences both between and within Indigenous groups, the influence of multiple subjectivities on Indigenous peoples’ vulnerability and adaptation to climate change is largely un-explored. Drawing on ethnographic research with Indigenous Māori women in Aotearoa New Zealand, this paper provides empirical evidence that subjectivity-mediated power dynamics operating within Indigenous societies (at the individual and household scale) are important determinants of vulnerability and adaptation which should be considered in both scholarship and policy. Using an intersectional framework, I demonstrate how different Māori women and their whānau (families) live, cope with, and adapt to the embodied physical and emotional health effects of climate change in radically different ways because of their subject positionings, even though they belong to the same community, hapū (sub-tribe), or iwi (tribe). In underlining these heterogenous experiences, I provide an avenue for reconsidering how climate adaptation scholarship, policies, and practices might better engage with the complex, amorphous realities within Māori and other Indigenous communities. I argue it is possible to develop more inclusive, tailored, and sustainable adaptation that considers divergent vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities within Indigenous communities, groups, and societies and supports customised vulnerability-reduction strategies.
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10
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Madden DL, Horton GL, McLean M. Preparing Australasian medical students for environmentally sustainable health care. Med J Aust 2022; 216:225-229. [PMID: 35231957 PMCID: PMC9310703 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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11
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Cortes-Ramirez J, Michael RN, Knibbs LD, Bambrick H, Haswell MR, Wraith D. The association of wildfire air pollution with COVID-19 incidence in New South Wales, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151158. [PMID: 34695471 PMCID: PMC8532327 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, followed an unprecedented wildfire season that exposed large populations to wildfire smoke. Wildfires release particulate matter (PM), toxic gases and organic and non-organic chemicals that may be associated with increased incidence of COVID-19. This study estimated the association of wildfire smoke exposure with the incidence of COVID-19 in NSW. A Bayesian mixed-effect regression was used to estimate the association of either the average PM10 level or the proportion of wildfire burned area as proxies of wildfire smoke exposure with COVID-19 incidence in NSW, adjusting for sociodemographic risk factors. The analysis followed an ecological design using the 129 NSW Local Government Areas (LGA) as the ecological units. A random effects model and a model including the LGA spatial distribution (spatial model) were compared. A higher proportional wildfire burned area was associated with higher COVID-19 incidence in both the random effects and spatial models after adjustment for sociodemographic factors (posterior mean = 1.32 (99% credible interval: 1.05-1.67) and 1.31 (99% credible interval: 1.03-1.65), respectively). No evidence of an association between the average PM10 level and the COVID-19 incidence was found. LGAs in the greater Sydney and Hunter regions had the highest increase in the risk of COVID-19. This study identified wildfire smoke exposures were associated with increased risk of COVID-19 in NSW. Research on individual responses to specific wildfire airborne particles and pollutants needs to be conducted to further identify the causal links between SARS-Cov-2 infection and wildfire smoke. The identification of LGAs with the highest risk of COVID-19 associated with wildfire smoke exposure can be useful for public health prevention and or mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cortes-Ramirez
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Australia.
| | - R N Michael
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Australia; Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Australia
| | - L D Knibbs
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - H Bambrick
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | - M R Haswell
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia; Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), The University of Sydney, Australia; School of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - D Wraith
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
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12
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Talley NJ. Goodbye, 2021: a year of failures interspersed with remarkable triumphs. Med J Aust 2021; 215:492-497. [PMID: 34897723 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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13
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Wu Y, Song P, Lin S, Peng L, Li Y, Deng Y, Deng X, Lou W, Yang S, Zheng Y, Xiang D, Hu J, Zhu Y, Wang M, Zhai Z, Zhang D, Dai Z, Gao J. Global Burden of Respiratory Diseases Attributable to Ambient Particulate Matter Pollution: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Front Public Health 2021; 9:740800. [PMID: 34888281 PMCID: PMC8650086 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.740800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Exposure to ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) is a global health issue that directly affects the human respiratory system. Thus, we estimated the spatiotemporal trends in the burden of APMP-related respiratory diseases from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, data on the burden of APMP-related respiratory diseases were analyzed by age, sex, cause, and location. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze the temporal trends in the burden of different respiratory diseases over the 30 years. Results: Globally, in 2019, APMP contributed the most to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with 695.1 thousand deaths and 15.4 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); however, the corresponding age-standardized death and DALY rates declined from 1990 to 2019. Similarly, although age-standardized death and DALY rates since 1990 decreased by 24% and 40%, respectively, lower respiratory infections (LRIs) still had the second highest number of deaths and DALYs attributable to APMP. This was followed by tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer, which showed increased age-standardized death and DALY rates during the past 30 years and reached 3.78 deaths per 100,000 persons and 84.22 DALYs per 100,000 persons in 2019. Among children aged < 5 years, LRIs had a huge burden attributable to APMP, whereas for older people, COPD was the leading cause of death and DALYs attributable to APMP. The APMP-related burdens of LRIs and COPD were relatively higher among countries with low and low-middle socio-demographic index (SDI), while countries with high-middle SDI showed the highest burden of TBL cancer attributable to APMP. Conclusions: APMP contributed substantially to the global burden of respiratory diseases, posing a significant threat to human health. Effective actions aimed at air pollution can potentially avoid an increase in the PM2.5-associated disease burden, especially in highly polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuai Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Peng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yujiao Deng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyue Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyang Lou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dong Xiang
- Celilo Cancer Center, Oregon Health Science Center Affiliated Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles, OR, United States
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yuyao Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Zhai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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14
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Beggs PJ, Zhang Y, McGushin A, Trueck S, Linnenluecke MK, Bambrick H, Berry HL, Jay O, Rychetnik L, Hanigan IC, Morgan GG, Guo Y, Malik A, Stevenson M, Green D, Johnston FH, McMichael C, Hamilton I, Capon AG. The 2021 report of the MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: Australia increasingly out on a limb. Med J Aust 2021; 215:390-392.e22. [PMID: 34670328 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The MJA-Lancet Countdown on health and climate change in Australia was established in 2017, and produced its first national assessment in 2018, its first annual update in 2019, and its second annual update in 2020. It examines indicators across five broad domains: climate change impacts, exposures and vulnerability; adaptation, planning and resilience for health; mitigation actions and health co-benefits; economics and finance; and public and political engagement. Our special report in 2020 focused on the unprecedented and catastrophic 2019-20 Australian bushfire season, highlighting indicators that explore the relationships between health, climate change and bushfires. For 2021, we return to reporting on the full suite of indicators across each of the five domains and have added some new indicators. We find that Australians are increasingly exposed to and vulnerable to excess heat and that this is already limiting our way of life, increasing the risk of heat stress during outdoor sports, and decreasing work productivity across a range of sectors. Other weather extremes are also on the rise, resulting in escalating social, economic and health impacts. Climate change disproportionately threatens Indigenous Australians' wellbeing in multiple and complex ways. In response to these threats, we find positive action at the individual, local, state and territory levels, with growing uptake of rooftop solar and electric vehicles, and the beginnings of appropriate adaptation planning. However, this is severely undermined by national policies and actions that are contrary and increasingly place Australia out on a limb. Australia has responded well to the COVID-19 public health crisis (while still emerging from the bushfire crisis that preceded it) and it now needs to respond to and prepare for the health crises resulting from climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice McGushin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Helen L Berry
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW
| | | | | | - Ivan C Hanigan
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Geoffrey G Morgan
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW
| | | | - Arunima Malik
- Integrated Sustainability Analysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | | | - Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre and ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
| | | | - Ian Hamilton
- UCL Energy Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony G Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
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15
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Heaney E, Hunter L, Clulow A, Bowles D, Vardoulakis S. Efficacy of Communication Techniques and Health Outcomes of Bushfire Smoke Exposure: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10889. [PMID: 34682636 PMCID: PMC8536189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Public health officials communicate the relevant risks of bushfire smoke exposure and associated health protection measures to affected populations. Increasing global bushfire incidence in the context of climate change motivated this scoping review. English-language publications related to adverse health outcomes following bushfire smoke exposure and publications relating to communication during natural disasters were included. Bushfire smoke events potentially increase healthcare contact, especially presentations triggered by respiratory illness. At-risk populations include those with underlying cardiorespiratory disease, elderly, paediatric, pregnant persons, and First Nations people. We found that social media, television, and radio are among the most common information sources utilised in bushfire smoke events. Message style, content, and method of delivery can directly influence message uptake and behaviour modification. Age, rurality, and geographical location influence information source preferences. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups and those with hearing, vision, and mobility-related disabilities may benefit from targeted health recommendations. This review emphasises the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and related communication recommendations during and after bushfire smoke events. Additional investigation may further clarify the health effects of bushfire smoke exposure and efficacy of related health messaging, particularly in at-risk populations. Quantitative comparison of communication methods may yield more specific recommendations for future bushfire smoke events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Heaney
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Hunter
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Angus Clulow
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (E.H.); (L.H.); (A.C.)
| | - Devin Bowles
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (D.B.); (S.V.)
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (D.B.); (S.V.)
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16
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Patrick R, Henderson-Wilson C, Lawson J, Capetola T, Shaw A, Davison M, Freeman A. Planetary health indicators for the local level: opportunities and challenges in applying the happy planet index in Victoria, Australia. Glob Health Promot 2021; 29:14-23. [PMID: 34474629 DOI: 10.1177/17579759211038367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and Paris Agreement on Climate Change are blueprints for health promotion action that mandate human health is linked inextricably to the health of the environment. In the Anthropocene, new indicators are required to promote community engagement with, and measurement of, healthy and sustainable wellbeing for people and planet. This study explored the need for a metric such as the Happy Planet Index that explicitly links human health to health of the environment for a local level scale in Australia. The project arose from an international coalition of health promoters advocating for 'planetary health' approaches. Qualitative description methods guided the study design involving key informant interviews (n = 17) and four focus groups (n = 27 participants) with health and/or sustainability academics, practitioners and policy-makers. Document analysis of health and environment indices and policy mandates augmented the analysis. Qualitative content analysis techniques were used to analyse the findings. There was strong interest for a local level composite indicator, such as a rescaled Happy Planet Index (life expectancy × life satisfaction × equity adjustment/ecological footprint) for use at a local level. The value of a composite index was: its ability to promote community engagement with planetary health thinking; an advocacy tool for joint health and sustainability policy; to justify programs on health and environmental co-benefits; and to provide a mechanism for correlative comparisons between local governments and national comparisons. However, disciplinary silos currently limit partnerships for health promotion and planetary health and a local composite index could help bridge these divides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Amy Shaw
- City of Boroondara Council, Camberwell, Australia
| | - Mia Davison
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Jones PJ, Koolhof IS, Wheeler AJ, Williamson GJ, Lucani C, Campbell SL, Bowman DJMS, Cooling N, Gasparrini A, Johnston FH. Characterising non-linear associations between airborne pollen counts and respiratory symptoms from the AirRater smartphone app in Tasmania, Australia: A case time series approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111484. [PMID: 34116012 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollen is a well-established trigger of asthma and allergic rhinitis, yet concentration-response relationships, lagged effects, and interactions with other environmental factors remain poorly understood. Smartphone technology offers an opportunity to address these challenges using large, multi-year datasets that capture individual symptoms and exposures in real time. We aimed to characterise associations between six pollen types and respiratory symptoms logged by users of the AirRater smartphone app in Tasmania, Australia. We analyzed 44,820 symptom reports logged by 2272 AirRater app users in Tasmania over four years (2015-2019). With these data we evaluated associations between daily respiratory symptoms and atmospheric pollen concentrations. We implemented Poisson regression models, using the case time series approach designed for app-sourced data. We assessed potentially non-linear and lagged associations with (a) total pollen and (b) six individual pollen taxa. We adjusted for seasonality and meteorology and tested for interactions with particulate air pollution (PM2.5). We found evidence of non-linear associations between total pollen and respiratory symptoms for up to three days following exposure. For total pollen, the same-day relative risk (RR) increased to 1.31 (95% CI: 1.26-1.37) at a concentration of 50 grains/m3 before plateauing. Associations with individual pollen taxa were also non-linear with some diversity in shapes. For all pollen taxa the same-day RR was highest. The interaction between total pollen and PM2.5 was positive, with risks associated with pollen significantly higher in the presence of high concentrations of PM2.5. Our results support a non-linear response between airborne pollen and respiratory symptoms. The association was strongest on the day of exposure and synergistic with particulate air pollution. The associations found with Dodonaea and Myrtaceae highlight the need to further investigate the role of Australian native pollen types in allergic respiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Iain S Koolhof
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Grant J Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Christopher Lucani
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - David J M S Bowman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia.
| | - Nick Cooling
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Antonio Gasparrini
- Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK; Centre for Statistical Methodology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1H 9SH, London, UK.
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia; Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
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18
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Zhang Y. 71Advanced Environmental Epidemiology for Health and Climate Research. Int J Epidemiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab168.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Focus and outcomes for participants
The symposium will focus on insights and applications of advanced environmental epidemiology methods in health and climate research. The symposium will help the participants
Rationale for the symposium, including for its inclusion in the Congress
Climate change is the greatest health challenge in the 21st century. The most recent Lancet Countdown report (Watts et al. 2019) and the MJA-Lancet Countdown Australian reports (Zhang et al. 2018; Beggs et al. 2019) on health and climate change research have once again highlighted the global vulnerability to health risks from climate change. Epidemiology plays an important role in informing policy to protect the public’s health from a changing climate. However, limited research has been conducted in the field, which may be due to the methodological challenges to conducting research in climate change epidemiology (Xun et al. 2010). However, there are opportunities for advancing epidemiological research in the context of climate change, as highlighted in the recent paper published in the American Journal of Epidemiology (Anderson et al. 2019). The proposed symposium aligns precisely with the conference theme on methodological innovations in epidemiology and the need for epidemiologists who are keen to address non-traditional epidemiological health risks to support decision-making under a changing climate. This symposium will be a timely event to build capacity needed to address more extreme weather events and disasters related to climate change in Australia and globally.
Presentation program (90 minutes)
The symposium will have 6 presentations, 15 minutes each including Q&A.
Names and short biography of presenters
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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19
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Breth-Petersen M, Rychetnik L, Barratt AL, Zhang Y. An Australian glossary to aid multisectoral research and collaborations to address health and climate change. Med J Aust 2021; 215:154-156.e1. [PMID: 34247404 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Sydney, NSW
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20
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Talley NJ, Stanley F, Lucas T, Horton R. Health and climate change MJA-Lancet Countdown report: Australia gets another failing grade in 2020 but shows signs of progress. Lancet 2021; 397:e12-e14. [PMID: 33357509 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona Stanley
- Telethon Kids Institute Directorate, The University of Western Australia, School of Paediatrics and Child Health, Crawley, WA, Australia
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21
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Nau T, Smith BJ, Bauman A, Bellew B. Legal strategies to improve physical activity in populations. Bull World Health Organ 2021; 99:593-602. [PMID: 34354314 PMCID: PMC8319864 DOI: 10.2471/blt.20.273987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Assembly has adopted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended target of achieving a 15% reduction in physical inactivity by 2030. The WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity provides a framework for countries to achieve this, using a systems-based approach to address the social and environmental determinants of physical inactivity. Lack of progress in many countries indicates a need to identify new ways of addressing this public health priority. WHO continues to highlight the importance of legislative and regulatory measures within the multicomponent and multisectoral action needed to reduce physical inactivity. Yet research into the role of law for addressing physical inactivity has been limited, in contrast to the legal approaches to other major noncommunicable disease risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use. Conceptual frameworks for public health law offer a method for mapping and understanding the determinants, mechanisms and outcomes of law-making for the promotion of physical activity within populations. We describe the development and application of a framework that aligns legal strategies with the WHO Global Plan policy objectives. This new framework – the Regulatory Approaches to Movement, Physical Activity, Recreation, Transport and Sport – can help policy-makers to use the untapped potential of legal interventions to support or strengthen a whole-system response for promoting physical activity. The framework illustrates the role of legal interventions to improve physical activity and identifies opportunities for research to advance understanding, implementation and evaluation of legal responses to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Nau
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre Level 6, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown NSW 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben J Smith
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre Level 6, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown NSW 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian Bauman
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre Level 6, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown NSW 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bill Bellew
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Prevention Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre Level 6, John Hopkins Drive, Camperdown NSW 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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22
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Workman A, Jones PJ, Wheeler AJ, Campbell SL, Williamson GJ, Lucani C, Bowman DM, Cooling N, Johnston FH. Environmental Hazards and Behavior Change: User Perspectives on the Usability and Effectiveness of the AirRater Smartphone App. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073591. [PMID: 33808395 PMCID: PMC8036707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AirRater is a free smartphone app developed in 2015, supporting individuals to protect their health from environmental hazards. It does this by providing (i) location-specific and near real-time air quality, pollen and temperature information and (ii) personal symptom tracking functionality. This research sought to evaluate user perceptions of AirRater's usability and effectiveness. We collected demographic data and completed semi-structured interviews with 42 AirRater users, identified emergent themes, and used two frameworks designed to understand and support behavior change-the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) and the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM)-to interpret results. Of the 42 participants, almost half indicated that experiencing symptoms acted as a prompt for app use. Information provided by the app supported a majority of the 42 participants to make decisions and implement behaviors to protect their health irrespective of their location or context. The majority of participants also indicated that they shared information provided by the app with family, friends and/or colleagues. The evaluation also identified opportunities to improve the app. Several study limitations were identified, which impacts the generalizability of results beyond the populations studied. Despite these limitations, findings facilitated new insights into motivations for behavior change, and contribute to the existing literature investigating the potential for smartphone apps to support health protection from environmental hazards in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Workman
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (A.W.); (P.J.J.); (A.J.W.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Penelope J. Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (A.W.); (P.J.J.); (A.J.W.); (S.L.C.)
| | - Amanda J. Wheeler
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (A.W.); (P.J.J.); (A.J.W.); (S.L.C.)
- Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne 3065, Australia
| | - Sharon L. Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (A.W.); (P.J.J.); (A.J.W.); (S.L.C.)
- Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Grant J. Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (G.J.W.); (C.L.); (D.M.J.S.B.)
| | - Chris Lucani
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (G.J.W.); (C.L.); (D.M.J.S.B.)
| | - David M.J.S. Bowman
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (G.J.W.); (C.L.); (D.M.J.S.B.)
| | - Nick Cooling
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia;
| | - Fay H. Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia; (A.W.); (P.J.J.); (A.J.W.); (S.L.C.)
- Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart 7000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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23
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Shaw E, Walpole S, McLean M, Alvarez-Nieto C, Barna S, Bazin K, Behrens G, Chase H, Duane B, El Omrani O, Elf M, Faerron Guzmán CA, Falceto de Barros E, Gibbs TJ, Groome J, Hackett F, Harden J, Hothersall EJ, Hourihane M, Huss NM, Ikiugu M, Joury E, Leedham-Green K, MacKenzie-Shalders K, Madden DL, McKimm J, Nayna Schwerdtle P, Peters S, Redvers N, Sheffield P, Singleton J, Tun S, Woollard R. AMEE Consensus Statement: Planetary health and education for sustainable healthcare. MEDICAL TEACHER 2021; 43:272-286. [PMID: 33602043 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2020.1860207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this Consensus Statement is to provide a global, collaborative, representative and inclusive vision for educating an interprofessional healthcare workforce that can deliver sustainable healthcare and promote planetary health. It is intended to inform national and global accreditation standards, planning and action at the institutional level as well as highlight the role of individuals in transforming health professions education. Many countries have agreed to 'rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes' to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% within 10 years and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, including in healthcare. Currently, however, health professions graduates are not prepared for their roles in achieving these changes. Thus, to reduce emissions and meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), health professions education must equip undergraduates, and those already qualified, with the knowledge, skills, values, competence and confidence they need to sustainably promote the health, human rights and well-being of current and future generations, while protecting the health of the planet.The current imperative for action on environmental issues such as climate change requires health professionals to mobilize politically as they have before, becoming strong advocates for major environmental, social and economic change. A truly ethical relationship with people and the planet that we inhabit so precariously, and to guarantee a future for the generations which follow, demands nothing less of all health professionals.This Consensus Statement outlines the changes required in health professions education, approaches to achieve these changes and a timeline for action linked to the internationally agreed SDGs. It represents the collective vision of health professionals, educators and students from various health professions, geographic locations and cultures. 'Consensus' implies broad agreement amongst all individuals engaged in discussion on a specific issue, which in this instance, is agreement by all signatories of this Statement developed under the auspices of the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE).To ensure a shared understanding and to accurately convey information, we outline key terms in a glossary which accompanies this Consensus Statement (Supplementary Appendix 1). We acknowledge, however, that terms evolve and that different terms resonate variably depending on factors such as setting and audience. We define education for sustainable healthcare as the process of equipping current and future health professionals with the knowledge, values, confidence and capacity to provide environmentally sustainable services through health professions education. We define a health professional as a person who has gained a professional qualification for work in the health system, whether in healthcare delivery, public health or a management or supporting role and education as 'the system comprising structures, curricula, faculty and activities contributing to a learning process'. This Statement is relevant to the full continuum of training - from undergraduate to postgraduate and continuing professional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shaw
- Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Walpole
- Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Oxford, UK
| | - Michelle McLean
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | | | - Stefi Barna
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Bazin
- Department of Physiotherapy, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Georgia Behrens
- School of Medicine Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Brett Duane
- School of Dentistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omnia El Omrani
- International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Elf
- School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Department of Nursing, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
| | - Carlos A Faerron Guzmán
- Planetary Health Alliance, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jonny Groome
- Greener Anaesthesia & Sustainability Project, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Finola Hackett
- University of Calgary, CFMS Health and Environment, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeni Harden
- University of Edinburgh Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Maca Hourihane
- Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Special Interest Group for Healthcare Professionals in International Health and Development and Irish Red Cross Society, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Moses Ikiugu
- Occupational Therapy, University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences, Vermillion, SD, USA
| | - Easter Joury
- Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kathleen Leedham-Green
- Medical Education Research Unit, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Diana Lynne Madden
- School of Medicine Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Judy McKimm
- Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Nicole Redvers
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Perry Sheffield
- Departments of Environmental Medicine and Public Health and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith Singleton
- Pharmacy, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - SanYuMay Tun
- Imperial College London Centre for Environmental Policy, London, UK
| | - Robert Woollard
- Family Practice, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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24
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Talley NJ, Stanley FJ, Lucas T, Horton RC. Health and climate change MJA-Lancet Countdown report: Australia gets another failing grade in 2020 but shows signs of progress. Med J Aust 2020; 214:75-76. [PMID: 33341957 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Talley
- University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW.,Editor-in-Chief, Medical Journal of Australia , Sydney, NSW
| | - Fiona J Stanley
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA.,University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
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25
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Zhang Y, Beggs PJ, McGushin A, Bambrick H, Trueck S, Hanigan IC, Morgan GG, Berry HL, Linnenluecke MK, Johnston FH, Capon AG, Watts N. The 2020 special report of the
MJA–Lancet
Countdown on health and climate change: lessons learnt from Australia’s “Black Summer”. Med J Aust 2020; 213:490-492.e10. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice McGushin
- Institute for Global Health University College London London UK
| | | | | | - Ivan C Hanigan
- University Centre for Rural Health University of Sydney Sydney NSW
| | | | - Helen L Berry
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation Macquarie University Sydney NSW
| | | | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Hobart TAS
| | - Anthony G Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute Monash University Melbourne VIC
| | - Nick Watts
- Institute for Global Health University College London London UK
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26
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Pitt D, Trück S, van den Honert R, Wong WW. Modeling risks from natural hazards with generalized additive models for location, scale and shape. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 275:111075. [PMID: 32861905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigate a new framework for estimating the frequency and severity of losses associated with catastrophic risks such as bushfires, storms and floods. We explore generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) for the quantification of regional risk factors - geographical, weather and climate variables - with the aim of better quantifying the frequency and severity of catastrophic losses from natural perils. Due to the flexibility of the GAMLSS approach, we find a superior fit to empirical loss data for the applied models in comparison to generalized linear regression models typically applied in the literature. In particular the generalized beta distribution of the second kind (GB2) provides a good fit to the severity of losses. Including covariates in the calibration of the scale parameter, we obtain vastly differently shaped distributions for the predicted individual losses at different levels of the covariates. Testing the GAMLSS approach in an out-of-sample validation exercise, we also find support for a correct specification of the estimated models. More accurate models for the losses from natural hazards will help state and local government policy development, in particular for risk management and scenario planning for emergency services with respect to these perils.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pitt
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Stefan Trück
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | | | - Wan Wah Wong
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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27
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Talley NJ. A sustainable future in health: ensuring as health professionals our own house is in order and leading by example. Med J Aust 2020; 213:381-381.e1. [PMID: 32946630 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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28
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Spatial Analysis of the Neighborhood Risk Factors for Respiratory Health in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Implications for Emergency Planning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176396. [PMID: 32887415 PMCID: PMC7503909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) experienced the worst air quality in the world for several consecutive days following the 2019–2020 Australian bushfires. With a focus on asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this retrospective study examined the neighborhood-level risk factors for these diseases from 2011 to 2013, including household distance to hospital emergency departments (ED) and general practices (GP) and area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and demographic characteristics at a high spatial resolution. Poisson and Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWR) were compared to examine the need for spatially explicit models. GWR performed significantly better, with rates of both respiratory diseases positively associated with area-level socioeconomic disadvantage. Asthma rates were positively associated with increasing distance from a hospital. Increasing distance to GP was not associated with asthma or COPD rates. These results suggest that respiratory health improvements could be made by prioritizing areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. The ACT has a relatively high density of GP that is geographically well spaced. This distribution of GP could be leveraged to improve emergency response planning in the future.
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29
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Howse E, Rychetnik L, Marks L, Wilson A. What does the future hold for chronic disease prevention research? Aust N Z J Public Health 2020; 44:336-340. [PMID: 32865859 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Howse
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, New South Wales.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, New South Wales.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Leah Marks
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, New South Wales.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Andrew Wilson
- The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, New South Wales.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Menzies Centre for Health Policy, The University of Sydney, New South Wales
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30
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Awuor L, Meldrum R, Liberda EN. Institutional Engagement Practices as Barriers to Public Health Capacity in Climate Change Policy Discourse: Lessons from the Canadian Province of Ontario. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176338. [PMID: 32878161 PMCID: PMC7504180 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Public health engagement in the communication, discussion, and development of climate change policies is essential for climate change policy decisions and discourse. This study examines how the existing governance approaches impact, enable, or constrain the inclusion, participation, and deliberation of public health stakeholders in the climate change policy discourse. Using the case study of the Canadian Province of Ontario, we conducted semi-structured, key informant interviews of public health (11) and non-public health (13) participants engaged in climate change policies in the province. The study results reveal that engagement and partnerships on climate change policies occurred within and across public health and non-public health organizations in Ontario. These engagements impacted public health's roles, decisions, mandate, and capacities beyond the climate change discourse; enabled access to funds, expertise, and new stakeholders; built relationships for future engagements; supported knowledge sharing, generation, and creation; and advanced public health interests in political platforms and decision making. However, public health's participation and deliberation were constrained by a fragmented sectoral approach, a lack of holistic inter-organizational structures and process, political and bureaucratic influences, irregular and unestablished communication channels for public health integration, and identities and culture focused on functions, mandates, biased ideologies, and a lack of clear commitment to engage public health. We conclude by providing practical approaches for integrating public health into climate change discourse and policymaking processes and advancing public health partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luckrezia Awuor
- Yeates School of Graduate Studies—Environmental Applied Science and Management, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Richard Meldrum
- Yeates School of Graduate Studies—Environmental Applied Science and Management, School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (R.M.); (E.N.L.)
| | - Eric N. Liberda
- Yeates School of Graduate Studies—Environmental Applied Science and Management, School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (R.M.); (E.N.L.)
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31
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Abstract
Heatwaves have increased in intensity, frequency and duration, with these trends projected to worsen under enhanced global warming. Understanding regional heatwave trends has critical implications for the biophysical and human systems they impact. Until now a comprehensive assessment of regional observed changes was hindered by the range of metrics employed, underpinning datasets, and time periods examined. Here, using the Berkeley Earth temperature dataset and key heatwave metrics, we systematically examine regional and global observed heatwave trends. In almost all regions, heatwave frequency demonstrates the most rapid and significant change. A measure of cumulative heat shows significant increases almost everywhere since the 1950s, mainly driven by heatwave days. Trends in heatwave frequency, duration and cumulative heat have accelerated since the 1950s, and due to the high influence of variability we recommend regional trends are assessed over multiple decades. Our results provide comparable regional observed heatwave trends, on spatial and temporal scales necessary for understanding impacts. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and more intense under global warming, but how these trends differ on a regional scale is not well known. Here, the authors provide a comprehensive assessment of regional changes and show that most heat indicaters have increased since the 1950s.
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32
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Talley NJ. A sustainable future in health: ensuring as health professionals our own house is in order and leading by example. Med J Aust 2020; 212:344. [PMID: 32361991 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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33
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Talley NJ. SARS-CoV-2, the medical profession, ventilator beds, and mortality predictions: personal reflections of an Australian clinician. Med J Aust 2020; 212:302-303. [PMID: 32242936 PMCID: PMC7228339 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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34
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Vardoulakis S, Jalaludin BB, Morgan GG, Hanigan IC, Johnston FH. Bushfire smoke: urgent need for a national health protection strategy. Med J Aust 2020; 212:349-353.e1. [PMID: 32088929 PMCID: PMC7318141 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sotiris Vardoulakis
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
| | - Bin B Jalaludin
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales
| | - Geoffrey G Morgan
- School of Public Health and University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Ivan C Hanigan
- School of Public Health and University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW.,Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, ACT
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
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35
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Yu P, Xu R, Abramson MJ, Li S, Guo Y. Bushfires in Australia: a serious health emergency under climate change. Lancet Planet Health 2020; 4:e7-e8. [PMID: 31932144 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30267-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Yu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rongbin Xu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yuming Guo
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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36
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Talley Ac NJ. The MJA in 2019: going from very good to great! Med J Aust 2019; 211:484-489. [PMID: 31813174 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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