Managing Extreme Heat and Smoke: A Focus Group Study of Vulnerable People in Darwin, Australia

Sharon L. Campbell (), Carina C. Anderson, Amanda J. Wheeler, Stephen Cook, Tim Muster and Fay H. Johnston
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Sharon L. Campbell: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
Carina C. Anderson: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
Amanda J. Wheeler: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
Stephen Cook: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Tim Muster: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Fay H. Johnston: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-15

Abstract: Extreme heat and poor air quality arising from landscape fires are an increasing global concern driven by anthropogenic climate change. Previous studies have shown these environmental conditions are associated with negative health outcomes for vulnerable people. Managing and adapting to these conditions in a warming climate can present substantial difficulties, especially in climates already challenging for human habitation. This study was set in the tropical city of Darwin, Australia. We recruited individuals from population groups vulnerable to outdoor hazards: outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople, to participate in focus group discussions. We aimed to gain an understanding of the impacts of extreme heat and poor air quality and how individuals perceived and managed these environmental conditions. We identified a number of key themes relating to impacts on health, work and activity, and adaptive behaviors, while identifying gaps in policy and infrastructure that could improve the lives and protect the health of vulnerable people living, working, and playing in this region. In addition, these outcomes potentially provide direction for other regions with similar environmental challenges. Extreme heat and poor air quality place an additional burden on the lives of people in high-risk settings, such as outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople.

Keywords: extreme heat; heatwave; air quality; bushfire smoke; heat stress; outdoor workers; teachers; sportspeople (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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