public policy

Climate change and rising heat: population health implications for working people in Australia

Authors: 
Hanna EG, Kjellstrom T, Bennett C, Dear K.
Year: 
2011

The rapid rise in extreme heat events in Australia recently is already taking a health toll. Climate change scenarios predict increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the future, and population health may be significantly compromised for people who cannot reduce their heat exposure. Exposure to extreme heat presents a health hazard to all who are physically active, particularly outdoor workers and indoor workers with minimal access to cooling systems while working.