Climate change: a brief overview of the science and health impacts for Australia

Summary   The scientific relationship between atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures has been understood for over a century. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 due to burning of fossil fuels have contributed to 75% of the observed 1°C rise in global temperatures since the start of the industrial era...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical journal of Australia 2018-04, Vol.208 (7), p.311-315
Main Authors: Hanna, Elizabeth G, McIver, Lachlan J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
Climate Change
Environment and public health
Global health
Humans
Public Health
Social determinants of health
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Summary:Summary   The scientific relationship between atmospheric CO2 and global temperatures has been understood for over a century. Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 due to burning of fossil fuels have contributed to 75% of the observed 1°C rise in global temperatures since the start of the industrial era (about 1750). Global warming is associated with intensifying climatic extremes and disruption to human society and human health. Mitigation is vital for human health as continued current emission rates are likely to lead to 4°C of warming by 2100. Further escalation of Australia's hot and erratic climate will lead to more extreme climate‐related disasters of heatwaves, droughts, fires and storms, as well as shifts in disease burdens.  
ISSN:0025-729X
1326-5377
DOI:10.5694/mja17.00640