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Aboriginal Population and Climate Change in Australia: Implications for Health and Adaptation Planning

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey C. Standen

    (Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Jessica Spencer

    (Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
    Affiliation to Aboriginal country: Jessica Spencer Wiradjuri; Veronica Matthews Quandamooka.)

  • Grace W. Lee

    (Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
    School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Joe Van Buskirk

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Veronica Matthews

    (University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
    Affiliation to Aboriginal country: Jessica Spencer Wiradjuri; Veronica Matthews Quandamooka.)

  • Ivan Hanigan

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Sinead Boylan

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Edward Jegasothy

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
    University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

  • Matilde Breth-Petersen

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Geoffrey G. Morgan

    (School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
    University Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia)

Abstract

The health impacts of climate are widely recognised, and extensive modelling is available on predicted changes to climate globally. The impact of these changes may affect populations differently depending on a range of factors, including geography, socioeconomics and culture. This study reviewed current evidence on the health risks of climate change for Australian Aboriginal populations and linked Aboriginal demographic data to historical and projected climate data to describe the distribution of climate-related exposures in Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal populations in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The study showed Aboriginal populations were disproportionately exposed to a range of climate extremes in heat, rainfall and drought, and this disproportionate exposure was predicted to increase with climate change over the coming decades. Aboriginal people currently experience higher rates of climate-sensitive health conditions and socioeconomic disadvantages, which will impact their capacity to adapt to climate change. Climate change may also adversely affect cultural practices. These factors will likely impact the health and well-being of Aboriginal people in NSW and inhibit measures to close the gap in health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. Climate change, health and equity need to be key considerations in all policies at all levels of government. Effective Aboriginal community engagement is urgently needed to develop and implement climate adaptation responses to improve health and social service preparedness and secure environmental health infrastructure such as drinking water supplies and suitably managed social housing. Further Aboriginal-led research is required to identify the cultural impacts of climate change on health, including adaptive responses based on Aboriginal knowledges.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey C. Standen & Jessica Spencer & Grace W. Lee & Joe Van Buskirk & Veronica Matthews & Ivan Hanigan & Sinead Boylan & Edward Jegasothy & Matilde Breth-Petersen & Geoffrey G. Morgan, 2022. "Aboriginal Population and Climate Change in Australia: Implications for Health and Adaptation Planning," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-30, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7502-:d:842461
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Ford, J.D., 2012. "Indigenous health and climate change," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(7), pages 1260-1266.
    5. John R. Nairn & Robert J. B. Fawcett, 2014. "The Excess Heat Factor: A Metric for Heatwave Intensity and Its Use in Classifying Heatwave Severity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-27, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jordan Koder & James Dunk & Paul Rhodes, 2023. "Climate Distress: A Review of Current Psychological Research and Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Carla Vanessa Alves Lopes & Seema Mihrshahi & John Hunter & Rimante Ronto & Renee Cawthorne, 2024. "Co-Designing Research for Sustainable Food Systems and Diets with Aboriginal Communities: A Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Grace W. Lee & Kristina Vine & Amba-Rose Atkinson & Michael Tong & Jo Longman & Alexandra Barratt & Ross Bailie & Sotiris Vardoulakis & Veronica Matthews & Kazi Mizanur Rahman, 2023. "Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-25, July.
    4. Amy E Peden & David Heslop & Richard C Franklin, 2023. "Weather-Related Fatalities in Australia between 2006 and 2019: Applying an Equity Lens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, January.

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