An Integrated Approach to the Development of Health-Related Climate Change Indicators for Australia

摘要

Introduction: Australia has experienced, and is projected to experience, a range of climate-related health impacts. However, there are limited tools to track the health impacts of climate change and to develop public health interventions in a timely manner. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop climate health indicators and to address feasibility of the indicators for Australian Stakeholders, using South Australia as a case study. Methods: due to the multidisciplinary aspects of climate-related health outcomes, a parallel mixed methods approach was adopted. The methodology included quantitative case studies focusing on spatio-temporal aspects of climate and health, and a qualitative case study for exploring stakeholder perspectives on indicator development. Results: Analysis of the relationship between heatwaves and ambulance callouts showed that Adelaide's western, inner and northern suburbs had a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) during heatwaves compared to non-heatwaves (highest IRR of 1.26). Suburbs clustered in central Adelaide had a higher risk of emergency department visits (highest IRR of 1.41) and hospital admissions (highest IRR of 1.72). Analysis of the above-mentioned health outcomes and a range of vulnerability risk factors found four main risk factors; living alone, needing assistance with core activities, being aged above 65, and being socio-economically disadvantaged. Qualitative findings revealed a high level of stakeholder awareness of the climate-health impacts, and the need for indicators that can inform policymakers regarding interventions. They also raised several issues including lack of resources and access to data. Conclusions: The analysis has yielded an insight into vulnerable areas to heat-health effects in metropolitan Adelaide at local level. The evidence has important implications for public health planners to consider population vulnerability to climate change and use this information for policy and intervention.