As Australia braces for another scorching summer, communities are stepping up to provide relief from extreme heat, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that high temperatures will persist in these regions, prompting local governments to establish cooling spaces to help vulnerable populations cope.
In Western Australia, three cities—Bridgetown, Greenbushes, and Rockingham—have created designated cooling areas to offer residents a respite from the relentless heat. This initiative is part of the Heat Vulnerability Project, which aims to provide safe spaces for community members, particularly those who may struggle with the heat due to financial constraints.
Rachel Siwertz from the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) emphasized the importance of these cooling spaces, stating, "Some people may be struggling with the heat and cannot do anything because they don’t have air conditioning or cannot afford to run it." She noted that while informal cooling areas, like local libraries, already exist across the country, the establishment of formal cooling spaces is becoming increasingly vital.
Under the Heat Vulnerability Project, residents of Bridgetown-Greenbushes can access local libraries and three community centers during designated hours to escape the heat. Meanwhile, residents in Rockingham are invited to use any city library for a cool retreat. Siwertz remarked, "By working with existing libraries and community centers, this project ensures that everyone can access these spaces, which will offer activities and resources to help everyone stay engaged and cool."
Funding for this initiative comes from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, which collaborates with local governments and community organizations to ensure that heat response measures align with community needs. In Bridgetown-Greenbushes, this includes sending out messages or phone calls with guidance for residents during heatwaves.
In Queensland, the Department of Health has issued advisories urging citizens to utilize fans or air conditioning when available. For those without such amenities, the department recommends seeking out cool places during the hottest parts of the day, such as shopping malls, libraries, or swimming pools. A spokesperson for Queensland Health stated, "Other ways to cool down include soaking feet in cold water and wearing wet cloths around the neck." They also stressed the importance of avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours, particularly between 10 AM and 3 PM.
Heat stress can lead to various health issues, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The World Health Organization indicates that heatwaves claim more lives than any other natural disaster, largely because extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders.
Birdsville, located in Queensland, is one of the hottest areas in Australia, frequently experiencing extreme temperatures. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and young children, are particularly at risk during these heat events. Peter Crank, a climate expert from the University of Waterloo in Canada, highlighted that financial challenges often place some individuals at greater risk of heat stress. He noted, "The wealthier someone is, or the more trees there are in their neighborhood, the easier it is for them to turn on air conditioning and travel to cooler places because they have more resources."
In Sydney, temporary cooling stations have been set up in public parks on hot days to assist those without access to cooler environments. These stations are strategically located in populated areas, equipped with fans, cold water, and misting spray bottles. Timothy English, the lead researcher for the project, explained that these cooling spots are not merely a response to rising temperatures but also demonstrate support for the most vulnerable members of society.
As the country faces increasing heat, the mental health implications of extreme temperatures are also coming to light. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change indicates that rising temperatures are likely to increase mental and behavioral disorders (MBDs) in Australia by 49% by 2050 if no action is taken. MBDs encompass a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Professor Peng Bi, an environmental health researcher at the University of Adelaide, emphasized that the negative impacts of climate change on mental health are becoming more recognized globally. He warned that without serious efforts to mitigate climate change, the burden of MBDs could rise significantly. The study predicts that if average global temperatures exceed 3 degrees Celsius by 2100, the burden of MBDs could increase by 11% by 2030 and potentially rise to 27.5% by 2050.
Furthermore, the research highlights that heatwaves can severely impact quality of life, particularly among young people who are already vulnerable to mental health issues. For instance, a heatwave in Adelaide in 2008 led to a 64% increase in hospital admissions for children with MBDs and a 10% increase among seniors aged 75 and older.
While the exact mechanisms by which rising temperatures affect mental health are not fully understood, researchers suggest that changes in blood temperature may impact oxygen delivery to the central nervous system. Additionally, high temperatures can disrupt sleep patterns and stress responses, all of which can contribute to mental health challenges.
Currently, nearly 44% of Australians aged 16 to 85 have experienced some form of MBD at least once in their lives. Although the annual risk of hospitalization due to heat-related issues remains low, the ongoing trend of global warming could double this risk in the coming years, increasing from 1.8% to 2.8% by 2050. This alarming potential rise underscores the urgent need to address the mental health impacts of climate change, particularly among younger populations.
Researcher Jingwen Liu stressed the importance of understanding how high temperatures affect mental health to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect the population. As climate change continues to accelerate, the imperative to safeguard mental health becomes increasingly clear.
