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Ongoing WA heatwave shows increased health risks as climate crisis accelerates

Ongoing WA heatwave shows increased health risks as climate crisis accelerates

Extreme heatwave conditions this week across much of WA highlight the escalating health impacts of the climate crisis, according to the state’s peak environmental body.

As Perth is set to swelter through another 40°C day today after hitting 44°C on Monday, Geraldton also hit a record 49.3°C while new January temperature records were set for Bridgetown (42.5°C), Collie (42.3°) and Busselton (41.1°C).

Power outages caused by record demand on the grid also impacted on the ability of many to cool themselves.

In May 2024, a report from the WA Department of Health estimated that “heat-related mortality” would increase 60% by the 2050s, and increased ED presentation and hospital admissions from extreme heat would cost tax-payers an extra $30 million per year. Summers of extreme heat with increased heat related deaths would increase by 500% in frequency.

Dr Richard Yin, the President of the Conservation Council of WA, a GP and a member of Doctors for the Environment, said this morning:

“Extreme heat kills more Australians than any other climate disaster. Overheating aggravates many chronic diseases such as heart, lung and kidney disease. Mental health is also impacted, including the risk of suicide. Those homeless, the elderly or with limited housing or cooling choices are especially vulnerable.

“With heat waves comes higher presentations to our emergency departments and an increased load on an already stretched health system.

“A report last year described how, because of climate change, heat-related deaths in Perth were projected to increase more than 60% by 2050 while heat-related costs were projected to increase by $30.6 million.

“The threat from bushfires remains high and the haunting images of the devastating California fires highlights how no one is immune from the risk.

“The immediate threat to lives and livelihoods is compounded by the real health impact from bushfire smoke.

“In the catastrophic 2019-2020 bushfires in eastern Australia, the smoke caused 417 extra deaths, 3151 hospitalisations for heart and lung problems and 1305 presentations to emergency departments for asthma.

“To tackle climate change we urgently need to cut our emissions and we need the laws to make that happen. WA is the only state whose emissions continue to rise and we’re the only state that doesn’t have an emissions reduction target, while we continue to expand fossil fuel projects such as Woodside’s Burrup Hub all the way to 2070.”

“The government must reject new fossil fuel projects such as the Woodside’s Burrup Hub expansion, set emissions reduction targets aligned to keeping global temperatures below 1.5° and accelerate our transition to renewables by setting renewable energy targets aligned to our need to rapidly decarbonise.”

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