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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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Lam L, Bradbrook D, Gale J. Tracing the barriers to decarbonising ophthalmology: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:78-90. [PMID: 38213078 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
As climate change demands increasingly urgent mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, the health sector needs to do its part to decarbonise. Ophthalmologists share concerns about climate change and seek opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. When measuring the footprint of ophthalmology, major contributions are from patient travel to clinics, and from the large amounts of single-use disposable materials that are consumed during surgeries and sterile procedures. Ophthalmic services in India have already demonstrated systems that consume far fewer of these products through efficient throughput of patients and the safe reuse of many items, while maintaining equivalent safety and quality outcomes. Choosing these low-cost low-emission options would seem obvious, but many ophthalmologists experience barriers that prevent them operating as Indian surgeons do. Understanding these barriers to change is a crucial step in the decarbonisation of ophthalmology and the health sector more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Darren Bradbrook
- Surgery and Perioperative Medicine Division, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN), Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jesse Gale
- Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Ophthalmology, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Capital Coast & Hutt Valley, Wellington, New Zealand
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4
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Romanello M, Napoli CD, Green C, Kennard H, Lampard P, Scamman D, Walawender M, Ali Z, Ameli N, Ayeb-Karlsson S, Beggs PJ, Belesova K, Berrang Ford L, Bowen K, Cai W, Callaghan M, Campbell-Lendrum D, Chambers J, Cross TJ, van Daalen KR, Dalin C, Dasandi N, Dasgupta S, Davies M, Dominguez-Salas P, Dubrow R, Ebi KL, Eckelman M, Ekins P, Freyberg C, Gasparyan O, Gordon-Strachan G, Graham H, Gunther SH, Hamilton I, Hang Y, Hänninen R, Hartinger S, He K, Heidecke J, Hess JJ, Hsu SC, Jamart L, Jankin S, Jay O, Kelman I, Kiesewetter G, Kinney P, Kniveton D, Kouznetsov R, Larosa F, Lee JKW, Lemke B, Liu Y, Liu Z, Lott M, Lotto Batista M, Lowe R, Odhiambo Sewe M, Martinez-Urtaza J, Maslin M, McAllister L, McMichael C, Mi Z, Milner J, Minor K, Minx JC, Mohajeri N, Momen NC, Moradi-Lakeh M, Morrissey K, Munzert S, Murray KA, Neville T, Nilsson M, Obradovich N, O'Hare MB, Oliveira C, Oreszczyn T, Otto M, Owfi F, Pearman O, Pega F, Pershing A, Rabbaniha M, Rickman J, Robinson EJZ, Rocklöv J, Salas RN, Semenza JC, Sherman JD, Shumake-Guillemot J, Silbert G, Sofiev M, Springmann M, Stowell JD, Tabatabaei M, Taylor J, Thompson R, Tonne C, Treskova M, Trinanes JA, Wagner F, Warnecke L, Whitcombe H, Winning M, Wyns A, Yglesias-González M, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Zhu Q, Gong P, Montgomery H, Costello A. The 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms. Lancet 2023; 402:2346-2394. [PMID: 37977174 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Romanello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Claudia di Napoli
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Carole Green
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Harry Kennard
- Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pete Lampard
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Daniel Scamman
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Walawender
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Zakari Ali
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nadia Ameli
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul J Beggs
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Kathryn Bowen
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenjia Cai
- Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Max Callaghan
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Chambers
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Troy J Cross
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Carole Dalin
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Niheer Dasandi
- International Development Department, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shouro Dasgupta
- Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, Lecce, Italy
| | - Michael Davies
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Robert Dubrow
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew Eckelman
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Ekins
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Freyberg
- Department of Information Systems, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Olga Gasparyan
- Department of Political Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Hilary Graham
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Samuel H Gunther
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ian Hamilton
- Energy Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yun Hang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Stella Hartinger
- Carlos Vidal Layseca School of Public Health and Management, Cayetano Heredia Pervuvian University, Lima, Peru
| | - Kehan He
- Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julian Heidecke
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeremy J Hess
- Centre for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shih-Che Hsu
- Energy Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Louis Jamart
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Slava Jankin
- Centre for AI in Government, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ollie Jay
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilan Kelman
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gregor Kiesewetter
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Energy, Climate, and Environment Program, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Patrick Kinney
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dominic Kniveton
- School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton and Hove, UK
| | | | - Francesca Larosa
- Engineering Mechanics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jason K W Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bruno Lemke
- School of Health, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Yang Liu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Melissa Lott
- Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Rachel Lowe
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mark Maslin
- Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy McAllister
- Environmental Studies Program, Denison University, Granville, OH, USA
| | - Celia McMichael
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhifu Mi
- Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Milner
- Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kelton Minor
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jan C Minx
- Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nahid Mohajeri
- Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie C Momen
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Karyn Morrissey
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Kris A Murray
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tara Neville
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Department for Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Megan B O'Hare
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Camile Oliveira
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Matthias Otto
- School of Health, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Fereidoon Owfi
- Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
| | - Olivia Pearman
- Center for Science and Technology Policy, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Frank Pega
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jamie Rickman
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Z Robinson
- Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Joacim Rocklöv
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renee N Salas
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jan C Semenza
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jodi D Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Grant Silbert
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Marco Springmann
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Meisam Tabatabaei
- Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Jonathon Taylor
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Treskova
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joaquin A Trinanes
- Department of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | - Fabian Wagner
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Energy, Climate, and Environment Program, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Laura Warnecke
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis Energy, Climate, and Environment Program, Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Hannah Whitcombe
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Winning
- Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, London, UK
| | - Arthur Wyns
- Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marisol Yglesias-González
- Centro Latinoamericano de Excelencia en Cambio Climatico y Salud, Cayetano Heredia Pervuvian University, Lima, Peru
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qiao Zhu
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hugh Montgomery
- Department of Experimental and Translational Medicine and Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Costello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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5
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Pendrey CG, Chanchlani S, Beaton LJ, Madden DL. Planetary health: a new standard for medical education. Med J Aust 2023; 219:512-515. [PMID: 37949607 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52158] [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] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Ga Pendrey
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
- Climate and Environmental Medicine Specific Interests Group, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Sonia Chanchlani
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- Doctors for the Environment Australia, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Laura J Beaton
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- Doctors for the Environment Australia, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Diana L Madden
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW
- Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Sydney, NSW
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6
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Beggs PJ, Zhang Y. The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: Australia a world leader in neglecting its responsibilities. Med J Aust 2023; 219:528-529. [PMID: 37982350 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52152] [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] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
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Moro C, Phelps C, McLean M. Don't forget the veggies! Identifying and addressing a lack of vegetable education in physiology. ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION 2023; 47:726-731. [PMID: 37615045 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00052.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Ninety-five percent of Westerners do not consume the recommended daily vegetable intake, exacerbating the incidence of obesity, malnutrition, and nutritional deficiencies such as fiber. This article reviews the literature from PubMed, ERIC, and Web of Science, as well as Internet sites and government resources, to identify what should be considered important inclusions relating to dietary vegetable (including legumes and pulses) intake content in university physiology subjects. The primary aim is to advance the competency relating to good nutrition knowledge for future health professionals to enable them to guide and counsel patients and clients toward better health. A review of the literature provides scant nutritional content relating to vegetable intake, particularly across physiology subjects and health professional programs in general. A review of country dietary guidelines yielded discrepancies and ambiguity around recommended daily vegetable intake, including what constitutes essential vegetables. Educators responsible for embedding nutritional information in the curriculum would therefore be challenged to find reliable, evidence-based resources. Adding quality curriculum content on the importance of vegetable intake also promotes some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), thereby contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). This article offers recommendations on how to embed content relating to the importance of dietary vegetables for good health and guidance for educators of health professions programs wanting to improve their curriculum content relating to adequate nutrition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Is nutritional literacy an important concept in physiology? This article identifies a paucity of content and addresses the need for vegetable intake education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Moro
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charlotte Phelps
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle McLean
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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8
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Xu R, Yu P, Liu Y, Chen G, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Beggs PJ, Zhang Y, Boocock J, Ji F, Hanigan I, Jay O, Bi P, Vargas N, Leder K, Green D, Quail K, Huxley R, Jalaludin B, Hu W, Dennekamp M, Vardoulakis S, Bone A, Abrahams J, Johnston FH, Broome R, Capon T, Li S, Guo Y. Climate change, environmental extremes, and human health in Australia: challenges, adaptation strategies, and policy gaps. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 40:100936. [PMID: 38116505 PMCID: PMC10730315 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate change presents a major public health concern in Australia, marked by unprecedented wildfires, heatwaves, floods, droughts, and the spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Despite these challenges, Australia's response to the climate crisis has been inadequate and subject to change by politics, public sentiment, and global developments. This study illustrates the spatiotemporal patterns of selected climate-related environmental extremes (heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and droughts) across Australia during the past two decades, and summarizes climate adaptation measures and actions that have been taken by the national, state/territory, and local governments. Our findings reveal significant impacts of climate-related environmental extremes on the health and well-being of Australians. While governments have implemented various adaptation strategies, these plans must be further developed to yield concrete actions. Moreover, Indigenous Australians should not be left out in these adaptation efforts. A collaborative, comprehensive approach involving all levels of government is urgently needed to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongbin Xu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Pei Yu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yanming Liu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Gongbo Chen
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Zhengyu Yang
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yao Wu
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Paul J. Beggs
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ying Zhang
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jennifer Boocock
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Fei Ji
- NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Sydney, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Ivan Hanigan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Ollie Jay
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Nicole Vargas
- Heat and Health Research Incubator, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health & Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Donna Green
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Katie Quail
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Rachel Huxley
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Bin Jalaludin
- School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Martine Dennekamp
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Angie Bone
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jonathan Abrahams
- Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Fay H. Johnston
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Richard Broome
- The New South Wales Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Tony Capon
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Climate, Air Quality Research Unit, 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
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9
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Dam J, Wright A, Bos JJA, Bragge P. Global issues, local action: exploring local governments use of research in "tackling climate change and its impacts on health" in Victoria, Australia. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1142. [PMID: 37875934 PMCID: PMC10594743 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10087-5] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local government plays an important role in addressing complex public health challenges. While the use of research in this work is important, it is often poorly understood. This study aimed to build knowledge about how research is used by investigating its use by local government authorities (LGAs) in Victoria, Australia in responding to a new legislative requirement to prioritise climate and health in public health planning. The role of collaboration was also explored. METHODS Informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), this study adopted multiple research methods, combining data from an online survey and face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. RESULTS Participants comprised 15 interviewees, and 46 survey respondents from 40 different LGAs. Research was most commonly accessed via evidence synthesis, and largely used to inform understanding about climate and health. When and how research was used was shaped by contextual factors including legislation, community values and practical limitations of how research needed to be communicated to decision-makers. Collaboration was more commonly associated with research access than use. CONCLUSIONS Greater investment in the production and dissemination of localised research, that identifies local issues (e.g. climate risk factors) and is tailored to the communication needs of local audiences is needed to foster more impactful research use in local public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dam
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Annemarie Wright
- Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joannette J Annette Bos
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Peter Bragge
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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10
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Sorensen C, Dresser C, Balakumar A, Wheat S, Yates E, Healy JP, Brown C, Butala N, Lehmann EY, Malina G, Redelmeier RJ, Hess JJ, Salas RN. Extramural US Federal Research Grants For Health Outcomes Associated With Climate Change Inadequate, Too Narrow In Focus. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:1289-1297. [PMID: 37669497 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.01407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change causes and exacerbates disease, creates and worsens health disparities, disrupts health care delivery, and imposes a significant disease burden in the US and globally. Critical knowledge gaps hinder an evidence-based response and are perpetuated by scarce federal research funds. We identified and described extramural US federal research funding (that is, grants provided to organizations and institutions outside of federal agencies) that both addressed health outcomes associated with climate change and was awarded between 2010 and 2020. During this eleven-year period, 102 grants met our criteria, totaling approximately $58.7 million, or approximately $5.3 million per year (2020 adjusted US dollars). Federal investments in climate change and health research during this period failed to address the breadth of climate-sensitive exposures, health outcomes, and impacts on vulnerable populations. Moving forward, in addition to increasing investment in climate and health research across all known hazards, critical attention should be placed on vulnerable populations and health equity. To achieve this, increased federal research coordination and cooperation are needed, as well as a mechanism to track this funding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caleb Dresser
- Caleb Dresser, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arjun Balakumar
- Arjun Balakumar, University Hospital at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Stefan Wheat
- Stefan Wheat, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth Yates
- Elizabeth Yates, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James P Healy
- James P. Healy, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Connor Brown
- Connor Brown, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nirali Butala
- Nirali Butala, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | | | - Renee N Salas
- Renee N. Salas, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University
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11
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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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12
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Arnot G, Thomas S, Pitt H, Warner E. Australian young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad058. [PMID: 37326409 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing public health focus on how corporate practices impact population health and well-being. While the commercial determinants of the climate crisis pose serious threats to human and planetary health, governments largely seek to balance climate action with economic imperatives. Global stakeholders recognize that young people have important voices in influencing climate responses. However, few studies have investigated young people's perceptions of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis. A qualitatively led online survey of n = 500 young Australians (15-24 years) investigated their understanding of corporate responses to the climate crisis, factors that influenced these responses and strategies to respond. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used. Three themes were constructed from the data. First, young people perceived that corporate responses to the climate crisis focussed on soft options and lacked meaningful action. Second, they stated that these responses were largely influenced by economic imperatives rather than planetary health, with policy levers needed to implement environmentally responsible corporate practices. Third, young people perceived that systems needed change to create demand for a cleaner environment, leading to improved practices. Young people have a clear understanding of the commercial determinants of the climate crisis and associated threats to population health. They recognize that corporate practices (and consumer demand) will not change without significant policy and structural change. Public health and health promotion stakeholders should work alongside young people to influence decision-makers to address harmful corporate behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap St, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap St, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap St, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Elyse Warner
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap St, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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13
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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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Breth-Petersen M, Garay J, Clancy K, Dickson M, Angelo C. Homesickness at Home: A Scoping Review of Solastalgia Experiences in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2541. [PMID: 36767914 PMCID: PMC9916141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Solastalgia is a term used to describe the pain and distress experienced by those witnessing their home environments destroyed or changed in unwelcome ways. Solastalgia is expected to become more prominent as climate change worsens and transforms landscapes. This scoping review examines and maps the existing literature on solastalgia in Australia, particularly focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences. Four focus questions guided the review to explore how solastalgia is conceptualized, highlight risk and protective factors, and identify strategies for addressing solastalgia. Eighteen papers met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, our results show a minimal evidence base on solastalgia in Australia with an even greater gap in exploring solastalgia from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. A strong connection to home environments was suggested as both a risk and protective factor for experiencing solastalgia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are considered at risk due to intimate connections to home environments, and since the invasion, have experienced mental distress resulting from significant, damaging changes to landscapes and home environments. We recommend further exploration of lived experiences of solastalgia across a greater diversity of Australian contexts, particularly amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including a focus on practical implications.
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15
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Talley NJ. From meals, movies and microbes to a new chocolate yuk scale, mortality among wizards, and medical career staging: season's greetings! Med J Aust 2022; 217:555-558. [PMID: 36478579 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Zuccala E, Talley NJ. Health sector leadership is central to the fight against the climate crisis. Med J Aust 2022; 217:480-481. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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