78.2 Impact of Climate Change on the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous Communities in Australia

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aims of this presentation are: 1) to understand the impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, which are compounded by the legacy of colonization including persistence of racism and discrepancies in life outcomes; 2) to understand the role of community agencies like the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in strengthening the preparedness and resilience of these communities against extreme weather; and 3) to understand the highly interconnected and potentially pervasive mental health challenges that Indigenous people will face.MethodsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas face particularly difficult challenges relating to housing, environmental health, and food cost as a result of weather changes. Heavy rain, flooding, and erosion results in roads being sealed, which restricts access in and out of communities. Failing to get essential medical supplies to communities has resulted in these communities facing health epidemics and preventable health conditions like rheumatic heart disease, otitis media, trachoma, scabies, and leprosy. Due to high electricity cost and lower income, more households are unable to use air conditioners and heaters, so they must endure the heat and cold, causing and worsening poor health. Damp and mold developed in colder and prolonged winter cause health problems in rural and remote communities. Many communities do not have access to quality water, and this is worsened by susceptibility to contamination by microbes and naturally occurring chemicals. The impact of climate change includes adverse effects on flora and fauna, including food sources. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth, mothers and babies, the elderly, and people with a disability and/or chronic condition in rural and remote communities, are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change.ResultsTo mitigate the impact of climate change, a greater focus must be placed on its effect on environmental and social determinants of health. Australia is especially vulnerable to climate change associated with heat, drought, and bushfires.ConclusionsThis review will highlight global considerations for Indigenous mental health in relation to climate change, which can support Indigenous-driven initiatives and decision making to enhance mental wellness in a changing climate.DS, SP, WL ObjectivesThe aims of this presentation are: 1) to understand the impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, which are compounded by the legacy of colonization including persistence of racism and discrepancies in life outcomes; 2) to understand the role of community agencies like the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in strengthening the preparedness and resilience of these communities against extreme weather; and 3) to understand the highly interconnected and potentially pervasive mental health challenges that Indigenous people will face. The aims of this presentation are: 1) to understand the impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, which are compounded by the legacy of colonization including persistence of racism and discrepancies in life outcomes; 2) to understand the role of community agencies like the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in strengthening the preparedness and resilience of these communities against extreme weather; and 3) to understand the highly interconnected and potentially pervasive mental health challenges that Indigenous people will face. MethodsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas face particularly difficult challenges relating to housing, environmental health, and food cost as a result of weather changes. Heavy rain, flooding, and erosion results in roads being sealed, which restricts access in and out of communities. Failing to get essential medical supplies to communities has resulted in these communities facing health epidemics and preventable health conditions like rheumatic heart disease, otitis media, trachoma, scabies, and leprosy. Due to high electricity cost and lower income, more households are unable to use air conditioners and heaters, so they must endure the heat and cold, causing and worsening poor health. Damp and mold developed in colder and prolonged winter cause health problems in rural and remote communities. Many communities do not have access to quality water, and this is worsened by susceptibility to contamination by microbes and naturally occurring chemicals. The impact of climate change includes adverse effects on flora and fauna, including food sources. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth, mothers and babies, the elderly, and people with a disability and/or chronic condition in rural and remote communities, are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas face particularly difficult challenges relating to housing, environmental health, and food cost as a result of weather changes. Heavy rain, flooding, and erosion results in roads being sealed, which restricts access in and out of communities. Failing to get essential medical supplies to communities has resulted in these communities facing health epidemics and preventable health conditions like rheumatic heart disease, otitis media, trachoma, scabies, and leprosy. Due to high electricity cost and lower income, more households are unable to use air conditioners and heaters, so they must endure the heat and cold, causing and worsening poor health. Damp and mold developed in colder and prolonged winter cause health problems in rural and remote communities. Many communities do not have access to quality water, and this is worsened by susceptibility to contamination by microbes and naturally occurring chemicals. The impact of climate change includes adverse effects on flora and fauna, including food sources. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth, mothers and babies, the elderly, and people with a disability and/or chronic condition in rural and remote communities, are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. ResultsTo mitigate the impact of climate change, a greater focus must be placed on its effect on environmental and social determinants of health. Australia is especially vulnerable to climate change associated with heat, drought, and bushfires. To mitigate the impact of climate change, a greater focus must be placed on its effect on environmental and social determinants of health. Australia is especially vulnerable to climate change associated with heat, drought, and bushfires. ConclusionsThis review will highlight global considerations for Indigenous mental health in relation to climate change, which can support Indigenous-driven initiatives and decision making to enhance mental wellness in a changing climate.DS, SP, WL This review will highlight global considerations for Indigenous mental health in relation to climate change, which can support Indigenous-driven initiatives and decision making to enhance mental wellness in a changing climate.