Health professionals diagnose the health impacts of climate change

Dr Christa Pudmenzky explains how climate change in Ipswich is impacting our health and wellbeing. Plus, what can we do to stay safe and healthy?

Australia's climate has warmed by around 1.4C since records began in 1910.

This change might seem small, but it has some big consequences.

We can see the marks of human-induced climate change in our extreme weather - from heatwaves and drought to bushfires and floods.

Scientists and doctors have also linked increasing temperatures to a rise in health conditions including heat stroke and heightened respiratory illnesses from air pollution, longer pollen seasons and bushfire smoke.

Yet this is only the tip of the iceberg.

There are a number of 'hidden' health impacts associated with extreme weather events.

For example, extreme weather makes it difficult for people to exercise and spend time outside - activities we all know are crucial for managing our health and wellbeing.

A lack of exercise during such conditions, even for a few weeks, is linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Without a large-scale reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, scientists warn we're likely to see more extreme weather and even further limitations to how often we can work and exercise safely.

Cairns-based GP Dr Nicole Sleeman explains how extreme weather events are impacting our health:

Climate change affects our wellbeing in many ways.

Severe environmental damage caused by frequent bushfires, marine heatwaves and floods are raising concerns for the future of our planet in the form of 'eco-anxiety' and depression.

When these extreme weather events destroy homes and lives, it can leave communities suffering with post-traumatic stress.

These mental health issues are particularly prominent amongst our youth, parents and vulnerable groups with strong connections to the land, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Dr Nicole Sleeman, a GP from Cairns, describes mental health impacts on the local community:

We've diagnosed climate change as a health issue, now we need to treat it.

On extreme heat days, we can stay safe by keeping cool indoors or in the shade, drinking lots of water, and limiting physical activity.

Talking to our friends and family, and making greener choices, as well as consulting a mental health professional, can help empower us to overcome eco-anxiety.

Climate related trauma is far-reaching, requiring a response on a personal, community and national level.

Approaching organisations such as Beyond Blue and Phoenix Australia, can be a useful starting point as well as speaking to a health professional to work together to dissect the impacts and limit further health issues.

Hear some final thoughts from Dr Nicole Sleeman:

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Join the conversation on Twitter.

Dr Christa Pudmenzky is a climate scientist at the University of Southern Queensland.

This column is part of a collaboration between Monash University and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.