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Managing Extreme Heat and Smoke: A Focus Group Study of Vulnerable People in Darwin, Australia

Author

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  • Sharon L. Campbell

    (Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
    Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia)

  • Carina C. Anderson

    (Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia)

  • Amanda J. Wheeler

    (Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
    Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Stephen Cook

    (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Tim Muster

    (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Fay H. Johnston

    (Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
    Public Health Services, Department of Health, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia)

Abstract

Extreme heat and poor air quality arising from landscape fires are an increasing global concern driven by anthropogenic climate change. Previous studies have shown these environmental conditions are associated with negative health outcomes for vulnerable people. Managing and adapting to these conditions in a warming climate can present substantial difficulties, especially in climates already challenging for human habitation. This study was set in the tropical city of Darwin, Australia. We recruited individuals from population groups vulnerable to outdoor hazards: outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople, to participate in focus group discussions. We aimed to gain an understanding of the impacts of extreme heat and poor air quality and how individuals perceived and managed these environmental conditions. We identified a number of key themes relating to impacts on health, work and activity, and adaptive behaviors, while identifying gaps in policy and infrastructure that could improve the lives and protect the health of vulnerable people living, working, and playing in this region. In addition, these outcomes potentially provide direction for other regions with similar environmental challenges. Extreme heat and poor air quality place an additional burden on the lives of people in high-risk settings, such as outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharon L. Campbell & Carina C. Anderson & Amanda J. Wheeler & Stephen Cook & Tim Muster & Fay H. Johnston, 2022. "Managing Extreme Heat and Smoke: A Focus Group Study of Vulnerable People in Darwin, Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-15, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:13805-:d:952061
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haruna M. Moda & Walter Leal Filho & Aprajita Minhas, 2019. "Impacts of Climate Change on Outdoor Workers and Their Safety: Some Research Priorities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Alana Hansen & Peng Bi & Monika Nitschke & Dino Pisaniello & Jonathan Newbury & Alison Kitson, 2011. "Perceptions of Heat-Susceptibility in Older Persons: Barriers to Adaptation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Kevin Riley & Holly Wilhalme & Linda Delp & David P. Eisenman, 2018. "Mortality and Morbidity during Extreme Heat Events and Prevalence of Outdoor Work: An Analysis of Community-Level Data from Los Angeles County, California," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-12, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maddison Seeley & Hamish Hede & Mitchell Bylart & John Rodwell, 2023. "Diagnosing the Institutional Forces Impacting Australia’s Aerial Firefighting Capability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-15, January.

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