Human Health Review and Research Synthesis: Prepared for the Office of Environment and Heritage for the Sydney Adaptation Strategy New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This Report reviews current and emerging research in health adaptation planning for climate change for the Sydney Adaptation Strategy. Increases in temperature and altered rainfall patterns have been observed for Sydney over recent decades, and further changes are projected for future decades. Temperatures will continue to increase, as will the annual number of ‘hot days’, while weather extremes such as droughts and severe storms are expected to become more frequent and more intense. A number of adverse health outcomes are expected as a consequence of climate change, including increases in heat-­‐related illness and mortality, vector-­‐borne disease, and certain infections. Without adequate adaptation planning, climate change may place a considerable burden on the health of Sydney’s population. Based on the nine research themes identified in the Human Health National Adaptation Research Plan, this Report reviews recent and emerging research, and identifies priorities and needs to further research to inform health adaptation planning. Information for this report was gathered from the literature (peer-­‐reviewed and published reports) and through interviews with expert researchers, policy makers and practitioners. The nine themes are: Heat; Extreme weather events; Vector-­‐borne disease; Food safety and quality; Air quality; Water quality; Mental health; Community and Indigenous health; and Health services and infrastructure