A new Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) research project is changing the way Australia understands heatwaves, finding they are becoming more frequent, disproportionately affect vulnerable people and deaths associated with them are under-reported.
According to University of Adelaide researchers, Australia's climate has increased by about 1.5 degrees Celsius in the past 100 years, with extreme heat events increasing five-fold over the past 30 years.
The team behind the Centre’s Heatwave resilience and impacts project are working to better understand the full impacts of extreme heat on the Australian community.
The research team have designed a survey – set to be conducted this year – that will ask community members how they interpret and respond to heatwave warnings. This will determine the efficacy, reach and impact of the national heatwave service.
Looking into heatwave mortality recording and surveillance, the team found geographical and institutional disparities contribute to inconsistent practices and underestimation of heat-related deaths.
A comprehensive literature review identified warning systems have reduced the number of heat-related incidents and that informal networks are important, however, there are increased risks for vulnerable people, particularly the elderly. It also identified that farmers face increased risks regarding both livestock and outdoor workers on their farms.
To understand the impact of power disruptions on human health during heatwaves, the team are performing a stakeholder interview process, which is nearing completion.
Lead Researcher Prof Peng Bi from the University of Adelaide said that the full impacts of heatwaves are largely undocumented.
“Heatwaves particularly impact vulnerable populations, such as younger or older individuals, outdoor workers, people with lower socioeconomic status and those with pre-existing medical conditions,” Prof Bi said.
“This project seeks to undertake a comprehensive program of work to improve our understanding of heatwave impacts and drive resilience.”
Centre CEO Andrew Gissing believes the projects wide-ranging goals will help ensure Australians are safer during heatwaves.
“Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest form of natural hazard, given their projected further increase in frequency this research will be vital in providing evidence for decision makers to build community resilience and safety,” Mr Gissing said.
“The research will assist emergency managers directly by developing a methodology to accurately record and determine near real-time mortality from extreme heat, estimate the full impacts and costs of extreme heat events, and explore the electricity sector’s role in community vulnerability to extreme heat – all of which will make Australian safer in our changing climate.”