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Weather-Related Fatalities in Australia between 2006 and 2019: Applying an Equity Lens

Author

Listed:
  • Amy E Peden

    (School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
    College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia)

  • David Heslop

    (School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia)

  • Richard C Franklin

    (College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia)

Abstract

Extreme weather events can cause significant human, economic and infrastructure losses. Within a changing climate, heatwaves, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent and severe. Unfortunately, those who are most vulnerable are often disproportionately impacted. In this study, we examined the epidemiology of weather-related fatalities due to excessive heat (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10 codes X30); excessive cold (X31); storm and flood (X37; X38); and other causes (X32, X33, X39) in Australia between 2006–2019. There were 682 deaths due directly to weather-related events (41% excessive cold; 37% excessive heat; 15% storms and floods). The mean age of a weather-related victim in Australia was 60.8 years (SD = 24.1), with people aged 65+ years 12.8 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.23–17.6) more likely to die due to a weather-related event. As the planet warms our study identifies declining excessive cold-related deaths, while other types of weather events remain steady or increase. In the context of climate change we must protect those most at risk; children and adolescents due to storms and floods, those with co-morbidities (particularly circulatory system disorders) and the elderly. Special attention should be paid to preventing excessive heat-related death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and international visitors.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy E Peden & David Heslop & Richard C Franklin, 2023. "Weather-Related Fatalities in Australia between 2006 and 2019: Applying an Equity Lens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:813-:d:1022820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Lindsay, 2003. "The Determinants of Disaster Vulnerability: Achieving Sustainable Mitigation through Population Health," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 28(2), pages 291-304, March.
    2. Jeff Wilks & Donna Pendergast & Peter A. Leggat & Damian Morgan, 2021. "Issues in Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing," Springer Books, in: Jeff Wilks & Donna Pendergast & Peter A. Leggat & Damian Morgan (ed.), Tourist Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the New Normal, pages 1-22, Springer.
    3. Jeffrey C. Standen & Jessica Spencer & Grace W. Lee & Joe Van Buskirk & Veronica Matthews & Ivan Hanigan & Sinead Boylan & Edward Jegasothy & Matilde Breth-Petersen & Geoffrey G. Morgan, 2022. "Aboriginal Population and Climate Change in Australia: Implications for Health and Adaptation Planning," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-30, June.
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