According to a recent analysis led by Monash University researchers, heatwaves resulted in 1,009 fatalities in Australia between 2016 and 2019.
Identifying heatwaves as the climate hazard causing the most deaths, the newly published study discovered that Queensland and New South Wales experienced the highest mortality rates attributable to heatwaves.
The lead author, Prof Yuming Guo, stated that this study provided the first detailed analysis of the risk of heat-related deaths in local communities across Australia.
Analyzing 249,546 death records from 2016 to the end of 2019 – Australia’s hottest year on record – the researchers examined local temperature data and utilized statistical techniques to map heatwave-related mortality across 2,288 local communities.
The study found that heatwaves were responsible for 1,009 deaths nationwide over those four years, with an average of 1.08 deaths per 100,000 residents attributable to heatwaves annually. Heatwaves appeared to have a greater impact on cardiovascular and respiratory deaths compared to cancer-related deaths.
Queensland recorded the highest mortality rate from heatwaves, with 1.42 heat-related deaths per 100,000 residents per year, followed by NSW at 1.38 and the Northern Territory at 1.17. While Western Australia had the lowest overall rate at 0.35, certain northern regions had higher mortality rates.
Communities with higher proportions of elderly residents, gender imbalances, individuals needing assistance, and lower incomes or education levels experienced higher mortality burdens.
Guo emphasized that remote and rural areas also experienced higher mortality rates due to heatwaves.
The study’s findings underscored the urgency of addressing climate-related health risks and helping vulnerable communities adapt to these risks.
Guo warned that there will be more frequent and intense heatwaves, appearing earlier each year. Without proper action to help the population adapt, there will be more health problems.
