Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review

Grace W. Lee, Kristina Vine, Amba-Rose Atkinson, Michael Tong, Jo Longman, Alexandra Barratt, Ross Bailie, Sotiris Vardoulakis, Veronica Matthews and Kazi Mizanur Rahman ()
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Grace W. Lee: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Kristina Vine: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Amba-Rose Atkinson: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Michael Tong: Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Jo Longman: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Alexandra Barratt: School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
Ross Bailie: Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Sotiris Vardoulakis: Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Veronica Matthews: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Kazi Mizanur Rahman: University of Sydney, University Centre for Rural Health, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 13, 1-25

Abstract: Climate change is exposing populations to increasing temperatures and extreme weather events in many parts of Australia. To prepare for climate challenges, there is a growing need for Local Health Districts (LHDs) to identify potential health impacts in their region and strengthen the capacity of the health system to respond accordingly. This rapid review summarised existing evidence and research gaps on the impact of climate change on health and health services in Northern New South Wales (NSW)—a ‘hotspot’ for climate disaster declarations. We systematically searched online databases and selected 11 peer-reviewed studies published between 2012–2022 for the Northern NSW region. The most explored health outcome was mental health in the aftermath of floods and droughts, followed by increased healthcare utilisation due to respiratory, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes associated with bushfire smoke or heat waves. Future research directions were recommended to understand: the compounding impacts of extreme events on health and the health system, local data needs that can better inform models that predict future health risks and healthcare utilisation for the region, and the needs of vulnerable populations that require a whole-of-system response during the different phases of disasters. In conclusion, the review provided climate change and health research directions the LHD may undertake to inform future adaptation and mitigation policies and strategies relevant to their region.

Keywords: climate change; health impact; health services; Northern New South Wales; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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