The climate is warming at an unprecedented rate. Even with the most aggressive climate change mitigation action, more intense and frequent bushfires and heat extremes are certain over the coming decades. The health burden associated with extreme heat and bushfires across Australia has resulted in a significant number of excess deaths and emergency department visits for people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Seeing that the population of NSW is simultaneously growing and ageing, protecting the most vulnerable against the adverse health effects of climate change will have an enormous impact on human health. Yet, the extent of the burden of morbidity across Australia for different cardiovascular diseases, age, sex, and ethnicity remains unclear. This project addresses the urgent priority of identifying at-risk populations. . Furthermore, geospatial mapping of where people are most susceptible to extreme heat and poor air quality will be provided to guide dissemination of public policy within areas where communities are considered most ‘at-risk’. Our project will also facilitate future research to rapidly disseminate individualised strategies that can mitigate physiological strain and enhance community resilience to extreme heat and bushfire disasters.

This project is funded by the Heat and Health Research Incubator Collaborative Funds, led by SOLVE Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr Georgia Chaseling

The Team:

• Dr Georgia Chaseling, cardiovascular physiologist: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
• Dr Troy Cross, Respiratory physiologist: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
• Dr Karice Hyun, biostatistician: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
• Dr Nicole Vargas, thermal physiologist: College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University
• Prof Kazuaki Negishi, cardiologist: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
• Dr Katrina Tonga, clinician: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
• Prof Julie Redfern, public health: Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney