The Advertiser
By: Tory Shepherd, Mark Kenn
More extremely hot days will lead to increased discomfort, sickness and death, experts say.
Findings from two separate studies into the impact of climate change on health were presented at the Greenhouse 2009 conference yesterday in Perth.
One study found climate change could double the number of deaths from heat stress in Sydney.
CSIRO marine and atmospheric researcher Dr Martin Cope said modelling showed that by 2060 there would be a 20 per cent increase in days of more than 30C, which would increase the heat-stress related mortality.
"What we know in terms of climate change is it's very likely we're going to see more hotter days, more droughts and higher fire risks,'' he said.
"We know that's very likely to impact on the rural and urban population.''
The increasing heat would boost smog. That would trigger respiratory diseases.
Another study found the increasing levels of heat stress would see more people admitted to hospital and increase the burden on the health system.
The results raised questions about infrastructure, the design of urban environments and clothing and the role of cooling systems such as airconditioners. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong left Australia yesterday for Washington and New York to discuss the Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
She will meet senior Obama Administration officials and key congressional leaders such as Senator John Kerry.
The visit underscores the importance the Federal Government places on getting some progress on climate change policies from the U.S. after years of inertia from the previous Bush Administration.
Ms Wong said the U.S. now had a vital leadership role to play as the UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen in December approached.
"This is a unique year, we have a unique opportunity to forge an effective agreement on climate change, the U.S. is key to that and U.S. leadership will be critical to any successful agreement in Copenhagen,'' she said.
"We welcome President (Barack) Obama's commitment to action on climate change.
"We welcome him calling on Congress to deliver cap and trade legislation because, like the Rudd Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, this would enable him to commit to targets.''