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

Jeffrey C. Standen, Jessica Spencer, Grace W. Lee, Joe Van Buskirk, Veronica Matthews, Ivan Hanigan, Sinead Boylan, Edward Jegasothy, Matilde Breth-Petersen and Geoffrey G. Morgan
Additional contact information
Jeffrey C. Standen: Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
Jessica Spencer: Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
Grace W. Lee: Health Protection NSW, St Leonards, NSW 2065, 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
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
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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-30

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.

Keywords: Aboriginal health; Aboriginal population; adaptation; climate exposure; climate and health; climate vulnerability; equity; health policy; indigenous health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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