Australia's warming summers 'dangerous' to human health
Digital Reporter
Thursday, March 22, 2018, 3:15 PM - If the giant spiders don't get you, the warm summers will.
A new study by the Australia Institute paints a dire future for the continent, with an increasing number of days so hot it's considered a health risk to go outside.
The study's authors warn there will be a "range of consequences" to Australia's extended periods of extreme heat, including more intense storms, increased flood risk and changes to mosquito populations and the spread of infectious disease.
READ MORE: Australia heat wave melts roads
"Temperatures above 35C with 70% humidity are considered ‘extremely dangerous’ by government agencies such as the US Government National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration," the study's authors write.
"The number of days over 35C per year in Darwin, [Australia] has increased fourfold from an average of 5.6 days per year in the early 20th century to over 20 days per year in the last five years."
September to December appear to be the warmest months. The findings are based on an analysis of CSIRO climate data.
WARMER DAYS TO COME?
Current CSIRO projects suggest days with extreme heat will become more common in Darwin, Australia.
"Without drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the number of days over 35 degrees each year in Darwin will increase dramatically to 132 days per year by 2030, 187 days per year by 2050 and 275 days per year by 2070," the authors say.
READ MORE: Australia heat wave melts roads
CONSEQUENCES OF EXTREME HEAT
In addition to an increase in severe weather, the study's authors say prolonged periods of extreme heat can also result in:
- Increases in heat-related deaths
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Increases in domestic violence. According to the study, Darwin experiences "strong seasonal patterning in domestic violence and assaults which peak during the build-up season [September-December]"
- The adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.
